Rovers Ladies Over 40s crowned Dick Kerr Cup champions

Blackburn Rovers Ladies Over 40s walking football team have crowned Dick Kerr Ladies Cup champions after a thrilling penalty win.

The Community Trust’s women’s walking football programme fielded two squads, with Over 40s and Over 50s teams competing in the Dick Kerr Ladies Cup and Association National Cup at UCLan Sports Arena in Preston.

The Over 40s finishing runners-up in the Association National Cup before going on to lift the Dick Kerr Ladies Cup. The newly formed Over 50s reached the quarter-finals of the Dick Kerr Ladies Cup.

The Over 40s were one of 16 clubs competing in the WFA National Cup. After a series of strong performances, they reached the final against Forest Vets Ladies.

In a closely contested final, the teams could not be separated and the game was decided by penalties, with Forest emerging victorious.

The squad were runners up in the National Cup (Image: BRFC Community Trust)

The following day, both Blackburn Rovers sides competed in their respective age categories in the Dick Kerr Ladies Cup.

The Over 50s were narrowly knocked out at the quarter-final stage, made all the more notable given the team has only recently begun competing against other teams.

The Over 40s went one better than the previous day, winning the competition, which was being held for the eighth time.

After another strong run to the final, they faced Bolton Wanderers. Once again, the match was decided by penalties, but this time Rovers held their nerve to secure victory and be crowned 2026 Dick Kerr Ladies Cup champions.

Association National Cup Manager: Jo Cooney Squad: Helen Culshaw (GK), Caroline Mallen, Nina Frith, Di Riley, Karen Donnelly, Katie Anderton

Dick Kerr Ladies Cup Over 40s Squad: Helen Culshaw (GK), Nina Frith, Jo Duckworth, Justine Wallace, Linny Craig, Lynette Lowe, Katie Anderton, Emma Frith, Sarah Lawson

Dick Kerr Ladies Cup Over 50s Manager: Lee Lemm Squad: Debra Wilson, Di Riley, Freda Talbot, Helen Schofield, Jane Dempsey, Karen Donnelly, Pip Jones, Sue Baines, Tracey Owen