Gloucestershire's premier league striker for business news - Punchline-Gloucester.com - has just signed a sponsorship deal with the Walking Football Association which will see our news logo gracing the shirts of the new South West region's women over 60s team.

South West squad spokeswoman Julia Tibbs said: "The sponsorship is brilliant and will help so many people playing. The world of Womens Walking Football is looking good into 2024 !"

Stuart Langworthy, England Walking Football men's over 60s manager said: "The rise of walking football in the wake of the Lioness's success has been phenomenal and we are thrilled to have the support of Punchline, who have been great supporters already to the men's side of the sport in the South West.

"The women's team is relatively new and they will go out to face regional teams from all over the country – looking great in the new kit – during 2024."

Originally developed as a idea back in 2011 at Chesterfield Football Club to provide a social and physical activity for older men, walking football has rapidly gained popularity across the UK among people from all walks of life.

There are now more than 1,000 walking football clubs affiliated to The Walking Football Federation, the sport's national governing body. Games are played with five or six players per side and rules include a ban on running and physical contact.

Barclay's Bank gave the new sport a lift when it ran a television advertisement that featured the game in 2014, and a year later it was introduced in the FA People's Cup as part of BBC's 'Get Inspired' initiative.

Two years later, the Football Association of Wales and UEFA included a walking football competition in celebrations for the Champions League Cup Final.

The same year then saw Sky Sports televising national and international walking football tournaments.

● We look forward to updating on the team's efforts in 2024 – and watch this space for the first full-team photo in January!