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 kid it all passed me by, even the ’66 World Cup. My parents showed zero interest in sports plus being short sighted and clumsy didn’t help either.
Later on I did pick up world medals in skydiving, fatherhood brought a halt to that recklessness.
Then seeing my lad tricking with a ball in her garden my mother declared ‘Oh he’s just like your grandfather’, ??? , ‘Him & his brother played for West Ham’ she explained – a mere 50 years she had kept that quiet.
I spent the next few years coaching kids football, but wrecked my knee attempting a Cruyff turn on the U8s & coaching from a chair didn’t really do it for me.
How long have you played Walking Football?
Just short of a year.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
Recovering from the knee I wanted to get active in football again but worried I would do my knee permanently chasing around with youngsters.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
Twice generally.
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?
Over 50s, &/or recovering health, unisex. One session is mainly fit fifties and quite intense, the other is much more relaxed.
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?
None specifically; no one brings a pile of discs to mark out goalie areas, except that its probably what is common.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
It’s an extra buzz because I have never really been involved in team sports as a player before.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
Having a full stretch routine – even if late. And remind myself I am not 18.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
Played in a few friendlies but still work 9-5 so a new Sunday League in Middlesex will be my first league.
Most looking forward to a tournament at West Ham on match day, a hundred years on family wise .
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
My diet is still mostly from my time in Japan so the only thing different is some post match liquid revivers.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
Being outdoors and social interaction with team sport definitely brightens life up.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
A painful wrist from not having proper keeper gloves at first.
Decked by a knee to the head, due to no goalie area and an over eager player.
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?
One session we have an club coach supervising, and several of us are or were FA coaches, and there is a defrib somewhere in the Club stadium.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
Just the occasional after match refreshment.
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?
A Club member did a sponsored bike ride recently, but otherwise not that I am aware of.
If you could sum up the benefits or enjoyment Walking Football brings you with a single quote, what would that quote be?
Old dog, new tricks.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Best – Being vehemently sworn at for saving the 20th or so shot to keep it 0-0 in a very one sided tournament game.
Worst – The 21st sneaking in off glove tip & post just before time.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
Made me trade up my 2009 text phone for one that does whatsup.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
Team sport outdoors at a pace that suits me.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
When its cold & wet my joints ache.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
I mostly play in goal so I don’t know.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
Keep playing, keep improving.
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 do it, it’s for everyone.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
They happily take the pee, but in a good way.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
£120 invested in quality joint supports,goalie kit, & 3g trainers; then £4 a session.
Anything else you’d like to share?
RIP Eric Harrison, (on the left above ) who sadly passed away 13th Feb. An absolute privilege as a grassroots youth coach to have been on one of his coaching sessions. The contribution he made at all levels of football was of the same standard as his class of 92.
PS sure I sent this yesterday with a different share – that Geoff on the right scored a hat trick in 66, but reckon anyone over 50 would know that anyway.
PPS
for your possible interest included a 1917 photo of my grandfather, plucked from the trenches for officer training – think the whole team must have been as fairly sure real officers played polo cricket or rugby at that time.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
