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 used to play football regularly on Saturdays and Sundays, work permitting, before a Cruciate injury ended the more serious games at 27 and continued playing Sunday morning football until moving to Northants at 29, where work took over.
I then had virtually no activity until, at 47, I had a heart attack and nearly died. A lifestyle change was required and things like running and gym work didn’t appeal.
I had heard of Walking Football, and seen it advertised at our leisure centre, so gave it a go. I have lost weight, reduced my diabetes score, and my heart has recovered from 18% functionality to 48% in the damaged area.
How long have you played Walking Football?
Just over 18 months.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
I needed an activity I enjoyed to regain fitness, and gain confidence in myself.
I struggled with motivation doing things individually, so meeting up with the team became social and a support tool, and real motivation that it now hurts when I miss a game.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
I have just started back at work, so from 2/3 times a week, is now reduced to just 1 at present.
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?
It is open to anyone, as such, who wants to join.
It is for people like me, needing exercise recovering from a major life incident, to older members who still want to enjoy their football (and are way fitter than me!).
We have no female players at present but welcome all players.
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 use an interpretation of FA rules, as we have found other clubs follow different rules, so ours is a collective agreement rules!
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
I love the playing and the social activity. It is something I really look forward to, and something I really miss when I cannot play due to work commitments.
I do get down that most tournaments do not allow players under 50, as that restricts me, and means I miss out on things like the people’s cup, which is a real shame.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
Warm up is the most important.
The first time I played I did not, and I was lucky not too suffer, but I have seen others hurt. I also like to get a feel of the ball before we play, so I am aware of how heavy and how much I will overhit my passes by!
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
We have played some friendly games – but all tournaments have so far restricted me as I am under 50!
This is poor ageism and needs to change for players like me, who have a restricting medical condition but want competitive matches.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
Well, it had to change anyway, but by playing has made me look at my diet, and comparisons with my fellow players has changed it even more.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
Massively, it has made an enormous impact.
I am walking Snowdon for charity this year, something I would not even contemplate without Walking Football. It is both mental and physical for me and has changed my mindset.
My teammates are brilliant and that just makes you feel better within yourself.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
In all honesty, we have had few injuries as, without contact, it is mainly little knocks and strains, usually from over stretching or not warming up beforehand.
I just have had some bruising from accidental contact on block tackles, and a “warm groin” from a mis – directed ball that found 2 others!
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?
Based at a Leisure Centre, these are all available.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
It certainly has restored my confidence, and I love the camaraderie and “banter” we have.
Nothing better than a coffee or a beer after a game. As I say, I have missed out on tournaments, where our social occasions would be more.
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?
Not as such, but it is something being explored.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Every Goal scored, though a particularly cheeky back heel stands out, are the best memories.
The worst is missing tournaments.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
Given it a real purpose.
I have played at a few local clubs and find that all different levels of fitness and skill are incorporated. I have wanted to improve not only my skills and fitness, but also help others, so it creates a great life outlook of improving by helping others improve too.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
The thrill of a pass made, a goal scored, a shot saved when in goal, and the final whistle when you are hanging on 1 – 0 from an early goal, and out on your feet.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
The final whistle when you are 1 – 0 down, and the opposing keeper is having a “worldy”.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
First time, it was difficult, but we make allowances to a degree.
The thing is, try to play the game in your head, which means you can move easily into spaces.
I think you always have lapses, that is just sometimes how the game goes, but, if you can keep mentally involved and aware, that tends to help.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
Play in, and help my club, win a tournament.
Hopefully, I have a long time playing it and, as the game grows, more leagues set up to get a real sense of being part of a bigger team.
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…what is the worst that could happen, because it invariably won’t. People are welcoming wherever I have played – we always welcome new teammates.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
They think it is great, and can see the benefits it has had on me.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
Couple of quid a week for matches, kit is provided, so just footwear. We play both indoor and outdoor, but it is hardly costly, and the benefits outweigh it all.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Make tournaments available to under 50’s.
Create more leagues.
If you are thinking of taking it up, just go ahead and do it!
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
