Background – Atrial Fibrillation and Leaking Heart Valve.
How long have you played Walking Football?
9 months.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
Needed to do something to keep fitness levels up without doing “the gym” and I love football.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
Three.
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?
50 plus, male only.
When you play a game of Walking Football do you play to the WFA / WFU, FA or your own set of rules? What was the decision behind the rules you have chosen to officiate with?
Having tried various formats that used at Cove is the best. 3 touch, small penalty areas, head height restriction.
Multi-touch simply leads to dribbling and it turns into regular “5-a-side”
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
Brilliant – it has taken over a big part of my life (just ask my WAG)
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
Always, always warm up before play, and wear the right gear including shin pads.
Respect your fitness level, more than you consider your age.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
Yes in the Italian Masters tournament and locally at Bisham.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
No – but weight has reduced and I just feel better with increased energy levels.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
See above, no question that I am healthier.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
Groin area strain (hip flexor muscle) self-inflicted due to overplaying.
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, and medical records are at hand.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
I have around 40 new friends.
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 give to many charities and I am sure many more local days and evenings out will be forthcoming.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Best – Holding Man City to draw against all odds in Italy
Worst – Having a goal scored against me (especially by the gaffer M Quinn)
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
I hate the thought of getting up any day and having “nothing to do” Walking Football has given me that reason to “get out of bed”.
Even on holiday or at home, I walk lots knowing it will assist my walking football performance.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
I get a great buzz just from playing, and I have lots of new friends.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
The final whistle.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
Practice walking quickly even when you are not playing football, just when you are out with the dog for example.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
To simply keep playing as long as I am physically able, and I find it very enjoyable.
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?
Don’t be shy.
They are usually a great bunch of guys and will make you very welcome, you don’t have to be good at football.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
They are very pleased for me – even if I do bang on about it at times.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot wear, kit and weekly session fees?
£3 per session daily.
Buy good boots, (£20 to £70) shin pads (£10) and a pair of shorts and a top.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Always, always, warm up before you start playing on any session and always have some water on hand to drink to avoid dehydration.
Start slowly, listen to your body, not your head, and stop before you are exhausted or injured, then you will really enjoy it.
One of the best things I ever did.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
