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 always had a love of football and have had more of an interest in organising and managing teams, clubs and events. I set up a football club in Braintree in the 1980’s and together with Sid Haygreen set this club up over a year ago. We have both coached at Cornard Dynamos (youth teams) and been involved with Cornard United (Thurlow Nunn League – Eastern Counties Division).
I had a break of 2 years before taking up walking football.
How long have you played Walking Football?
I have played walking football for 5 years.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
5 years ago at Halstead Town WFC – I thought it was something I could try as a means of rehab and reintroduction to football having been side-lined by injury.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
Once a week, every week plus organising events and competitions.
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?
Our Monday night training sessions are ‘open’ to anyone who wants to come along and knock a ball around. The matches we play are competitive but always light-hearted and we all thrive on the simple and pure joy of us all having ‘another chance’.
When you play a game of Walking Football do you play to the WFA, WFS or FA rules and why did your club decide to follow those rules of the game?
We followed the FA rules initially and have incorporated the WFA and WFS rules as the club developed.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
It is unbelievable to be part of a club spirit again and the camaraderie is just what we need. Your life may slow but it needn’t stop!
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
No physical contact and swift passing – we often play periods of two-touch in our training games. We encourage people to warm up but individuals tend to take care of this themselves. We encourage players to walk/exercise between sessions. There is a rumour of someone in the club organising a regular Yoga session for the squad!
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
Yes, in our first year we have reached the semi-finals of the People’s Cup. Won our own home-staged tournament, won the 2019 Foxash tournament and in our first season won the Essex over 50 league.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
I have adjusted to a low carb / high protein diet.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
I feel more energetic, healthier and have upped the amount of walking I do outside the sessions.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
We haven’t had any injuries other than one player (aged 69) who hadn’t warmed up properly and suffered ligament damage.
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 we have two qualified first aiders and a defibrillator is available at both our venues.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
Our club is a fairly tight-knit, local group who also go to other surrounding walking football clubs to help out. Playing helps to bring our community together and remain connected.
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?
We haven’t as yet organised an event, but next year our home-staged tournament will be organised around raising funds for prostate cancer.
If you could sum up the benefits or enjoyment Walking Football brings you with a single quote, what would that quote be?
Walking Football is not about age or being old, it’s just a different way of playing the beautiful game.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
The best memory so far is seeing people turn up not really interested and then coming back the following weeks, with their lives soon revolving around walking football!
The worst, hearing people accuse other teams of running, but only when they are 2-0 down!
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
Walking football has given me the opportunity to organise and be around other people who love football and love talking about football. Social media helps us all to keep in touch between sessions – we all feel connected, respected and valued again.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
Team spirit and to see families so proud of dad’s and grandad’s playing football again, getting/keeping fit and enjoying themselves.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
Some people forget that the game is about playing with your feet and not your mouth …. some have always ‘played’ that way!
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
The referee normally reminds us all that it’s a walking game. We deliberately introduce a two-touch game into our Monday night session in order to reduce the chance of running.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
Just to ensure that the club exists for as long as possible.
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 go along you won’t regret it! We and other clubs would welcome you and the smile won’t leave your face all week. Many clubs have several teams with players sorted by age into over-50’s, 60’s, 70’s, etc.
The longer you leave it, the more you are missing out, in terms of both mental and physical advantages.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
They encourage it and are very supportive.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for footwear, kit and weekly session fees?
We charge £3.00 a week and you can pick up a pair of moulded studs for as little as £20.00 (or half that on Ebay) and you can even wear your old cut downs. Our kit (as worn in tournaments) was paid for by obtaining sponsorship from Humberts, a local estate agent.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Just get yourselves out there and if you haven’t got a club then start one. You may only have 3 or 4-a-side to start off with, but keep at it – the word soon spreads and people will come.
Humberts also provided us with the ‘Still Got It’ trophy – an award we issue each week to the player of the week. Suffolk Wall Coating Company sponsored our home-staged tournament. Speak to local businesses – they will often provide help and players!!
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
