How long have you played Walking Football?
Since beginning of July 2017.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
Saw an article about it on the news, then went searching the local area for sessions.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
Only one at the moment, but managed 2 sessions a week in the Summer Holidays.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
I’ve always loved playing football, but haven’t played for nearly 20 years – thought I was too old and unfit to play again, but this game has all the excitement and frustration of the full game.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
Stretching fully all leg muscles before starting each session.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
Not yet!
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak – in other words no.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if so in which ways?
Yes, definitely. When I first started my lower legs were so tight after a session it hurt to walk and I was so tired.
Now there is just the feeling of an energetic workout.
Have you had any injuries playing and if so what were they?
Yes, I didn’t stretch properly when I first started and got a pulled hamstring and a bad tweak of my knee ligaments, which is still a bit painful after a session.
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?
This is something we have never considered but perhaps need to establish if any of the players are First Aid qualified.
There’s a defibrillator in the village but not close to the area where we play.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
Not outside of the actual sessions, but I’ve met some very friendly, humorous, enthusiastic, realistic, like-minded folk at the sessions.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
The best has got to be being mentioned in the same breathe as Bergkamp at one of the sessions (only once!).
The worst was my hamstring going!
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
I feel 30 years younger when playing!
What do you like most about Walking Football?
It’s great fun. Camerarderie balanced by competitiveness.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
Sessions cancelled due to lack of players.
Most venues hold the sessions in the daytime, but many people over 50 are still working and can’t get time off to attend them, so more evening sessions would be good.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
Yes.
Your instincts want you to run.
You have to listen to that little voice in your head and the bigger voice from other players that says “No running!”
17) What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
To carry on playing as long as possible.
18) 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?
Have a go – it’s just football after all!
19) What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
There is a mix of thoughts, some think it’s great, others imagine something that looks like a Benny Hill sketch!
20) What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
Usually between £2 and £3 a session.
People usually just wear their favourite kit – I dug out my old Man Utd kit from the nineties!
21) Anything else you’d like to share?
Good sessions at North Ferriby United Thurs evening 8.30 to 9.30. Haltemprice Sports Centre Wed morning 11.00 to 12.00. Cottingham Sports Centre Fri morning 11.00 to 12.00.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
