Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
I had to give up playing football 10 years ago due to dodgy hips.
I approached the lads I used to play with and asked them for a one -off game of ‘Old Man’s 5 a side’ for the players that had dropped out over the years, but they just looked at me sideways and said ‘what do you mean’ and why!
So I had to just carry on playing golf believing kicking a ball is over and done with.
Then I saw the Barclays tv ad, whilst that looked a bit too old for me, it did plant a seed.
A couple of months later I thought what the heck, give it a go.
After phoning the guys at City and being promised I would be made to feel welcome, I went down to the Etihad.
From the very first minute I absolutely loved it. I ditched the golf clubs, bought some Orange boots and have never looked back.
Unbelievably I no longer have any hip problems, thankfully I didn’t go ahead with the double hip replacement as recommended by the specialist.
Maybe the fitness, losing a couple of stone and generally ‘moving’ a lot more has been a better solution than surgery.
I can honestly say I am as fit now as I was when I was 25, although a lot slower!
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
City run 2 day time sessions a week, which I always attend.
I also organise an extra session of Walking Football on a Wednesday night for the guys who want to play more competitively or who can’t make the day time session.
Can you let the readers know about your Walking Football sessions in regards of which age group are they for, are they male only, female only or unisex sessions?
The daytime sessions that City In The Community put on are intended for Over 50’s but younger people can also turn up.
We have had some ladies play as well and they are always very welcome.
In fact one of our Wednesday Night players played for England Women under 18’s.
When you play a game of Walking Football do you play to the WFA / WFU or FA rules and why did your club decide to follow those rules of the game?
We decided to play to the WFA rules, mainly because in our opinion it appeared that that is the direction the sport is likely to go.
I might be wrong, but hopefully it will all settle down in to one set of rules, I really don’t mind which.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
I am absolutely thrilled that I am still playing football, I love the competitiveness, team spirit, winning, taking part.
I love scoring goals, making nice passes, working hard, tackling you name it, the chance to do this all over again is not something I ever thought could happen.
It’s a great laugh as well, all the banter with the other players.
And then there’s the pleasure that I get from seeing the joy that some of the older guys still get.
For example, the other week 12 of us went to Spain to play Walking Football.
The ages ranged from 45 to 73 and yet we had a decent game every day.
I feel lucky to playing a sport that I hopefully can play for another 20 years.
Walking Football is the future!
Who knows maybe I should invent football for real old men and can make it last 30 years!
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
One of the City coaches does a fantastic warm up session which really helps, plus I also keep fit by cycling, going to the gym and I do Pilates.
This helps to avoid strains and pulls plus it improves your balance.
I think overall it’s important to do more than just turn up for a weekly session of walking football.
The great thing about Walking Football is that it gives you the desire to play better and it can give you the incentive to improve your lifestyle off the pitch.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
I have played in lots of competitions and Man City have just joined the Northern league.
We got through to the Finals of the People’s Cup and the Nationals and we have played (and won) many local competitions.
Also, through my business Kingsmaid, I have sponsored the Man City Walking Football Team and then also set up the Kingsmaid Walking Football to organise Cup tournaments which we have hosted at the Etihad over the last couple of years.
They have been a huge success and have had over 50 clubs come and visit us to participate.
We are also hosting the Man City – Kingsmaid Europa Cup in Spain next year.
But it is the playing in such events that I enjoy the most, that’s my motivation.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
Fat has largely disappeared from the diet, I know have lots of fish and protein.
I also go cycling a lot, which is not something I would have considered without the motivation from playing Walking Football.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
Totally, as I have said earlier, I no longer have hip problems, and the pleasure I get from playing Walking Football and the desire to just get better at it has meant I have had the motivation to look at my lifestyle and make massive improvements.
Hopefully I shall be able to continue playing it for years to come.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
I have had some ankle and hamstring issues but that’s maybe because I ran before I could walk!
If you are coming from a sedentary lifestyle, you need to build your fitness up and flexibility gradually.
I also have a pacemaker fitted, but that just helps with some issues and it doesn’t get in the way.
Do you always have a club member present who has had first aid training at your games and training sessions, and is there a defibrillator available if needed?
Yes City In The Community do a very thorough job.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
Yes, I drink less!
Does your club or facility where you play Walking Football hold any social or charity events connected with Walking Football and if so what were they?
It’s very good, we have had Christmas do’s, trips to the Dogs, we’ve been on foreign trips to play Walking Football and have lots of overnight stays when we play in competitions elsewhere.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Well a couple of good ones are playing Walking Football at half time at the Etihad in front of the City crowd and then CITC ran an event at City’s Etihad Campus with members of the first team and Pep.
I got picked to play on the same Walking Football Team with Ilkay Gundogan, Mike Summerbee and Alex Williams.
That was surreal.
Apart from time out due to the odd injury, I can’t really say I have had any bad memories, it’s all been pretty good fun.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
I own to many pairs of coloured football boots!
What do you like most about Walking Football?
Owning lots of coloured football boots! Honestly, though, just love playing football again.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
My wife nagging me about the bits of crumb that finds itself around the house.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
I find it difficult not to run for that first movement.
But the secret to ‘walking’ is plant the heel, not the sole, of the foot first.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
I’d like to win one of the top tournaments.
We always seem to fall just a little short on the big ones.
Maybe us Man City Walking Footballers could do with a little PEP talk.
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 get involved, all the clubs I have come across have been very welcoming and friendly.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
They’re all very supportive, but sometimes the kids tell me not to mention the ‘walking’ bit, just say you’re playing Football!
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
£2 a session and as much as you can afford on coloured boots.
Anything else you’d like to share?
If you’re reading this then you probably know how good it is.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
