Could you start by telling us a little about your background such as if you were you a sporty person when you were younger, and how long you had a break from playing sports before you got involved with Walking Football?
As a successful Schoolboy footballer – School, Borough, County, London, and trial for England at 15 years of age, I was recruited to join Arsenal Football Club, as an apprentice professional.
As a ‘big boy’ I played in the Metropolitan League [AFC third team] against teams such as the Met Police [where I learned not to take prisioners! joke! ].
As we all know, footballers get injuries and I broke metatarsals twice and was literally out of the running.
So a heartbroken 17 year old started playing in the amateur leagues but after professional training: to adapt was just not possible. Playing for the College team meant success and enjoyment.
How long have you been involved with the running / management of the club?
After years in the beer [Publican] / Drinks industry and various business activities over the years plus many years as an ex-pat in Spain, I decided to use this knowledge and build a short break / holiday organisation based around the website www.tophattwfc.com
Why did you first get involved with helping run your Walking Football club?
The numerous physical & mental benefits at my age seems sensible.
When was your Walking Club formed?
2019.
How many hours per week do you spend on club related matters?
As much as possible.
Is your club funded in any way and if so, how did you achieve securing these revenue streams?
Yes, funded by client subscriptions to the Clubs benefit, a non-profit organisation.
Does your club follow rules of the game created by any official body / association? If the answer is yes, why did you decide to follow those association rules?
Yes, because I suspect eventually they will be the basis of the walking football FA regulations.
How many regular players attend each session and how quickly have numbers grown since the club was formed?
As per the website, our members decide when they want to visit and play. I try to keep a maximum of 10 players [male and female] per visit.
If your club plays a competitive game, rather than one of the weekly Walking Football fitness sessions, do you see any change of attitude in respect of competitiveness in the players?
Yes, I suggest, no point going out to play unless the player has a competitive attitude.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if so in which ways?
My personal heath is dictated by diabetes and osteo arthritus, so somewhat limited to organisational skills. So limited participation.
Have you had any injuries playing and if so what were they?
N/A
Do you always have a club member present who has had first aid training at your games and training sessions?
Not always.
Has your social life changed since you became involved with Walking Football, and if so in which ways?
Yes. Its good to meet people from all ‘walks’ of life. Please excuse the pun.
If you could sum up the benefits or enjoyment Walking Football brings you with a single quote, what would that quote be?
‘Brain & Body activity’
What are your best and worst Walking Football memories?
There are no bad experiences.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
‘Brain & Body activity’
What do you like most about Walking Football?
‘Brain & Body activity’
What do you like least about Walking Football?
Nothing I can think of.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
Yes, ‘mind over matter’
What are your goals for the future regarding your Walking Football club?
A happy Club
What advice would you give to someone who would like to play but is nervous about approaching a club or attending a Walking Football session for the first time?
Just join, your old enough not to be nervous or intimidated i any way.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
Probably a bit concerned but realise if this is what I wat.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play / run your Walking Football club?
Enough but not impossible
Anything else you’d like to share?
I hope boys and girls have enjoyed reading this interview, which is a good medium for WF and want to try training in Alicante.
TopHatt Press Release
Hello,
for holidays / mini breaks not organised by Thomas Cook
best to speak with me; www.tophattwfc.com
bye
pls forward / circulate to your membership, as this could be of interest to them. thanks
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
