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 was always very sporty from a young age. I was small but was able to excel at 100 metres, 800 and cross country right up until 6th form. I loved football and played left wing with my natural left foot and raw speed. I was actually too quick and tried to rely on that playing football without much intelligence. I lived in Derby and had trials with them but was not good enough to go any further. I played football right to around 47 years old finishing my playing days with Calne Eagles where at 45 I was top striker that year! As I got slower I moved to playing up front letting the youngsters do all the running and became more of a ‘fox in the box’. I learnt more about football tactically in my later years and from coaching my son’s team – Calne Youth. I improved loads and actually became more technically proficient as I was involved in coaching Brazilian Soccer Skills which was a real blast. I gave up football at 47 after a knee injury and had started playing tennis several years back so migrated away from football thinking that this was it.
How long have you played Walking Football?
This is my second full year of playing Walking Football.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
Mr other half Cora used to joke about me playing walking football after seeing the FA advert on TV. She met an old football friend in Calne, John Rumming who unfortunately passed away last year. John was looking fantastic after a few illnesses and mentioned that his new found health was because of Walking Football and suggested that I should pop along to Calne to give it a go. I did just that a few weeks later and got totally hooked from that first session.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
When I am on it I play twice a week. At the moment I am so busy so manage a game every other week.
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 sessions I play at at Chippenham and sometimes Calne cater for the over 50’s and are mixed sessions with a couple of ladies frequenting the Calne sessions. The participation in Calne is large so as well as a mixed session of 50, 60 and 70 year olds they have an over 60s session that runs separate to this. It’s great having easy access to Calne and Chippenham sessions because players can find different levels of competition to suit their taste and ability.
When you play a game of Walking Football do you play to the WFA, WFS, WFU or FA rules and why did your club decide to follow those rules of the game?
We play FA rules which was something that we discussed from an early stage. As the game grows I think one common standard will evolve ultimately and that should be governed by our national body – the FA. I got into coaching football and got to Level 3 and believe that there should be a consistent, national standard governed by one body.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
I went on to play tennis competitively after giving up football and represented Chippenham Tennis Club for several years. I loved tennis and it was a lot kinder on the body than competitive football at my age. When I discovered walking football from that first session in Calne I was so excited to discover that I could play football again albeit at a gentler pace. Despite the gentler pace, that whole team thing, being in the changing room with the lads, playing tournaments, scoring goals etc, it still feels the same and the buzz is fantastic. I did not get this buzz from tennis.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
I used to coach loads of football and warning up was big with me back in those days and is even more important now. I’m captain for Wiltshire Walking Football 1st team and introduced a discipline of warming up and warming down especially for tournament play where you have several games in one day. The few injuries I have picked up in Walking Football have been when I have neglected my warm-up routines. Even though you are walking there are lots of stresses on the body trying to walk quickly so calf muscles, ankles, thighs etc are all susceptible to to being over extended if not adequately warmed-up.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
I play for Wiltshire Walking Football 1st team and captain them as well. We’ve set ourselves up as a competitive team so in addition to our normal club sessions we have specific training for matches / tournaments from time to time. For the last two years we have managed to quality for the FA People’s Cup final at St George’s Park each of those years winning the Cup for our region then going on to the final. Unfortunately we have not won the FA People’s Cup yet and this is on our list of targets again for next year.
Last year we competed in the National Vintage Games in Bath which show cases Walking Football, Rugby and Netball and was an amazing event to be part of. We were successful in winning that and return to Bath to play in this tournament again in September. Our Wiltshire Team played in Almelo City People’s Cup in Holland back in June where we made it to the semi-final. This is the 4th time our club has played in Holland and my second trip. It is the most fantastic three days of Walking Football, fun and friendship for players and partners.
We also played in the Gloucestershire League for the first time this year and that was absolutely fantastic. We led the league right up to the last round and finished runner-up to Weston by just one point. A really well run, competitive league which we will enter again in the autumn.
We have made it into the final of the WFU Nationals which we will play sometime in the summer. Finally, because of the interest in tournaments in Wiltshire, Tony Norton has been instrumental in helping to setup our first Wiltshire inter-club competition with teams from Swindon, Chippenham, Calne, Corsham, Trowbridge and Melksham. The first round in June was amazing with over 100 players and plenty of spectators to cheer us on.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
I have always ate pretty well. However, now I am back playing football I tend to eat more carbs and protein and do some weigh bearing exercises in the gym. I drink loads more water as well.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
Yes. Because we play more tournaments I like to work on my walking technique and stretch loads more. After football I generally go for a swim and a steam as I find it helps me to loosen up and keep flexible.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
I injured my lower back in the first gamed of a tournament earlier this year. I was running late and did not go through any kind of warm-up routine that I am personally used to. I can strike the ball quite hard and went for a power shot and felt a twinge in my lower back. This put me out of competition for 8 weeks and I only just recovered in time to play in the People’s Cup. The injury was a classic over rotation injury which I usually avoid with a series of gentle back stretches. Most times I see injures and have the opportunity to speak to the player, more often than not, they have not warned up properly.
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. This is fully in place at all the Wiltshire venues that I have attended with known first aiders in the vicinity.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
Yes. I have made loads of new friends across the sessions I attend and through the tournaments we have played across the country and internationally. In last year’s FA People’s Cup the FA filmed our session which gave us our ‘15 minutes of fame’ with over 18,000 views of the video they produced. Tony Norton has been awesome at building the Wiltshire Walking Football network and this has resulted in loads of opportunities to meet new people.
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 have regular social events and a big one at Xmas for players and partners. There have been several charity events that we have participated in. I have recently become a Trustee for the charity Tackle Prostate Cancer and they have just formalised a sponsorship deal for our Wiltshire Walking Football network which is aimed at raising awareness about prostate cancer and the need for a national screening programme. This is a new exciting initiative that I will be looking to drive with key supporters such as Tony Norton.
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 the gift of sport to protect us older folks whilst at the same bringing as much friendship, friendly and competitive games of football you care to participate in allowing us to stay sharp as we age gracefully’.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
My best memories are the two FA People’s Cup Finals we have played in at St Georges Park, playing twice in the Almelo City People’s Cup in Holland and winning the National Vintage Games. Worst memories are getting injured in the first game of a tournament, missing an open goal and Tony not buying me a beer!
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2016. Fortunately, it was all caught early. During my hormone treatment and subsequent radiotherapy I was always playing in some tournament or local session which was a fantastic way for me to normalise things and try and not get too down by being constantly active. Walking Football became a bigger focus for me during this period and I was happy to share my experiences with many players imparting advice about the the need to get checked early. I have since gone on to become a trustee for Tackle Prostate Cancer and am using my walking football connections to develop a deeper relationship with our football communality which I think will ultimately help men to get checked earlier rather than later; 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer as will 1 in 4 Black males so awareness is key.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
The community spirit, comrade, opportunity to play a game we are passionate about but in a controlled way to protect our ageing bodies. There is something in walking football for all sporting enthusiasts whether you want a gentle friendly work out or a more competitive element to your football.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
The running! We still have not solved this conundrum.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
It is difficult not to run. Some people can walk faster than others and have longer strides. Keeping a relatively straight leg with one foot always on gourd helps to maintain more of a Walking posture. It can be a grey area but the bottom line is the referee is in charge. We cannot have everyone on the pitch calling any indiscretions – play to he whistle!
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
We are a competitive bunch so FA People’s Cup, winning various leagues etc are strong on our list. Almelo People’s Cup in Holland is awesome just as a social event whether you win or lose so this is a must. I was fortunate to have England trials last year but did not make the squad. I think I’m good enough and will continue to fight to try and play for my country which would be amazing.
I have a much bigger goal beyond this now and that is to drive the awareness of prostate cancer through my charity work with Tackle Prostate Cancer.
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?
I would say that first and foremost Walking Football is all about friendly, sporting interactions aimed at keeping the over 50s active and socially included. The competitive side is separate to all this so there should never be any fear for any one of any ability, race or gender who want to try football for the first time or simply returning after years away from the game. It is so easy to get involved – you just turn up and play after paying a few pounds. There is no commitment so you do as much as you want. For those who want more more competition there are plenty of opportunities.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
I think that after some initial micky taking they are actually in awe of what we have achieved to date and I think surprised at the international things we have started to become involved with.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
Paying three pounds for a walking football session is derisory compared to the benefits you gain from that session. I think it’s important to invest in the right football so around £40 for a good pair of astro trainers will go far. You don’t need any other kit which should be at hand in most wardrobes – tracksuit, shorts, t-shirt etc. Most venues provide bibs and balls so just turn up!
Anything else you’d like to share?
Having been diagnosed with prostate cancer I have found playing walking football to be a great help for my mental and emotional well being. We are all 50 plus so in that age group where men’s health issues such as prostate cancer, bowel cancer etc becomes more prevalent. Men are not great at talking about their health so through walking football we can use this as a great support vehicle to help each other understand the changes that our bodies are going through as we get older. There will be someone amongst us that is worried about something and the walking football community gives us new friends willing to just listen.
Kind regards
Alphie
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
