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?
I have been involved in football for over 45 years now; having played, coached, administered and above all supported.
Football remains one of the unique elements of our everyday life which brings people together, and in a broken world that is something to celebrate and embrace.
How long have you been involved with the running / management of the club?
I have been at AFC Totton since October last year and when we looked at the community programmes we wanted to bring to people, Walking Football was very high on the list. We launched in March and it has just got bigger and bigger every week.
Is your club funded in any way and if so, how did you achieve securing these revenue streams?
People pay £3 for a 90 minute session. It is important that the sessions are affordable for anyone to take part. If this was a constraint for someone, we have funds available to ensure that they still participate.
How many regular players attend each session and how quickly have numbers grown since the club was formed?
From the 2 who attended the first session when I began to think, what on earth am I doing….we now have a squad of over 20 who regularly attend. However, it is informal and if someone doesn’t come along for a couple of weeks that doesn’t matter. We regularly have now 14 attending meaning a good game takes place every Tuesday morning.
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?
We played one game against a side who were completely against the spirit of Walking Football. Not only was the behaviour and language appalling but my guys were put off from wanting to come back the following week. That is simply not acceptable and something which we will not tolerate in our club. We are here to have some fun and to respect one another.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if so in which ways?
Not personally, because I am still nursing a torn medial ligament – not from Walking Football, but the guys really enjoy the sessions and have all spoken about the benefits they are feeling.
Have you had any injuries playing and if so what were they?
We have had a couple of injuries, but we are prepared to deal with things as they arise with a well drilled team onsite.
What are your best and worst Walking Football memories?
Best: Seeing people laugh
My guys encouraging one another
Accepting people for who they are
Worst: Over competitive teams
Foul and abusive language
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
We run a whole range of community events now each week, but the Walking Football gang is something very special and I really look forward to our Tuesday morning sessions.
What are your goals for the future regarding your Walking Football club?
Spread the word! Come along and enjoy it.
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?
Come along and have a go; if the club is being run in the right way they will invite you in. Walking Football is about inclusion and opportunity.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
