Our annual Community Picnic once again reminded us that Steppers Women of Colour Walking Football Club is about so much more than football. It is about creating a space where women, families and friends can come together to laugh, relax, connect and simply enjoy each other’s company.
With more than 40 people joining us, the park was filled with conversation, games, delicious food and plenty of unforgettable moments.
Fun Across The Generations
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the day was seeing every generation joining in.
Children played alongside adults, teenagers joined the games, and families shared moments that will be remembered long after the picnic ended.
Many commented on the kindness and encouragement shown throughout the day.
Stepper’ coach, Blu reflected:
“The picnic provided a safe, welcoming space where everyone could get involved—or stay on the periphery—and still feel included and valued. There was a real sense of community, belonging, fun and connection throughout the day.”
Games, Laughter… And A Little Healthy Competition!
From rounders to football, skipping to the obstacle course, there was no shortage of laughter.
The now legendary egg and spoon race proved especially competitive—with a few playful accusations of cheating from the winning team!
Rounders was another favourite, with younger people happily volunteering to run for some of the older batters, showing wonderful sportsmanship, kindness and respect.
Watching children and adults laughing together reminded us that joy really is contagious.
Obstacle Race Champions
Congratulations to Roz, who took first place in the Over-18s Obstacle Race with a winning time of 41 seconds.A huge well done to Sally, who finished a close second in 42 seconds. Just one second between them!
Congratulations to 3-year-old Kaison, our Under-18s Obstacle Course Champion, who raced to a fantastic first-place finish. Well done, Kaison!
A Moment That Touched Our Hearts
One message particularly captured the spirit of the day.
Julius and Serina shared:
“My kids loved the games and the inclusive atmosphere, where everyone—children and adults alike—felt welcome and involved.
One of the highlights for me was seeing my teenage daughters being part of a community of talented, strong-minded and successful women of colour. I have no doubt they’ll be among those inspiring women themselves one day, and hopefully sooner than they realise.
Thank you to everyone who organised such a wonderful event—we can’t wait for the next one!”
Stories like this remind us why events like these matter.
Steppers isn’t simply building a football club.
We’re helping to build community, confidence, friendships and positive role models for future generations.
A Feast to Remember
No Steppers gathering would be complete without good food—and this year’s picnic certainly didn’t disappoint.
Members, families and friends arrived with an incredible variety of homemade dishes, salads, desserts and treats, creating a colourful feast that reflected the richness of our community. There was something for everyone, and judging by the smiles around the picnic blankets, every mouthful was thoroughly enjoyed.
One of the joys of the day was seeing people encouraging one another to “try this” or “have some of that”, with conversations flowing as easily as the food was shared. Such was the generosity of everyone who contributed that there was even plenty left over for people to take home and enjoy later.
The food wasn’t just delicious—it was another expression of what Steppers does so well: bringing people together through generosity, hospitality and community.
Events like this don’t happen by accident.
A huge thank you goes to everyone who helped with the planning, shopping, transporting equipment, setting up, cooking, organising games and making everyone feel so welcome throughout the day.
Your generosity, teamwork and commitment made the picnic such a memorable success.
Just The Tip Of The Food Iceburg – Most Of It Out Of Sight
Some Of The Women Left Standing For The Tidy Up
Highlights from the Day
“Seeing everyone relaxed and enjoying themselves.” — Diana
“We are the Steppers!” — Roz
“The relaxed vibe and us all coming together.” — Carol
“A fabulous time, delicious food and a very friendly atmosphere.” — Ondina
“Seeing everyone come together in such a warm and welcoming atmosphere.” — Amanda
“Spending time with everyone and meeting all the Steppers members.” — Leilah
“Steppers pulled it out of the bag again!” — Lin
“Watching everyone playing games and having a laugh. A real community feel.” — Matthew
“Watching the adults throw themselves into the games, Ondina’s enthusiastic skipping and everyone enjoying the rounders had me smiling all day.” — Denise
“Spending time with the Steppers women and friends who make every event so special – and, of course, the rounders!” — Surrinder
“It was lovely to relax and meet everyone.” — Doreen
“The cross-generational mix, the kindness shown during the games and the way everyone felt included created a real sense of belonging and community.” — Ondina’s Partner
“A fantastic turnout, an amazing spread of food, great weather and such a warm and welcoming atmosphere.” — Jen Smith (partner of Sharon)
“Seeing my 21-year-old daughter joining in the games and having so much fun made the day extra special—and yes, I was on the winning egg and spoon race team!” — Jennifer Malcolm
“Thank you to everyone who helped with the planning, shopping, organising and driving. The time and effort really showed—I can’t wait for next year’s obstacle race!” — Blu.
Whether your favourite memory was the rounders, football, the egg and spoon race, watching the children play, sharing great food or simply relaxing together in the sunshine, one thing was clear:
Steppers is more than a walking football club.
It is a community.
A family.
A place where everyone belongs.
Until Next Time…
As another wonderful Steppers picnic comes to a close, we’d like to thank everyone who came along, brought food, joined in the games, shared their laughter and helped make the day so memorable. It is days like these that remind us that Steppers is so much more than a walking football club—we are a community.
We’re now taking a well-earned two-week summer break, giving everyone a chance to rest, recharge and enjoy the rest of the summer.
We’ll be back training at the end of the month for another season of fun, fitness and fabulousness. We are always looking for Black women over 40 to join the team. Feel free to come visit us at training and get a taste of walking women’s football.
Denise James Newsletter Editor Steppers Women of Colour Walking Football Club
