How long have you played Walking Football?
Just under a year and look forward to each session or match we play.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
The chance to play football again, after being diagnosed with COPD and then having Stents fitted in my Heart i never thought I would play again.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
Twice.
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?
We hold a unsex session.
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?
It depends on if we are training or playing in a tournament.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
AWESOME!
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
Warm up at start of every match & training session.
I wear protective elbow & knee pads and strap my fingers with tape.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
I’ve been in a couple of tournament recently winning my first ever football medal aged 55 
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
I’m on a diet plan through my local GP and have so far lost 4 stone
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
I suffer with COPD and my breathing as been really bad at time however since taking up Walking Football I feel much fitter with improved breathing.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
Broken fingers from saving some really hard strikes on goal getting bruises all over from saving the ball and a few scrapes and cuts from driving for the ball.
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 we have both.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
It’s a great talking point when I see friends who I’ve not seen for ages.
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 a regular Curry night and visit other clubs & enter into many tournaments where possible.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Best:- Reaching a recent final.
Worst:- Making a silly mistake and letting the ball spin out of my hands in dying seconds of the same final.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
In every way possible.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
Everything.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
Nothing.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
I’m in goal but even then have to stop and think about running in my area.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
Keep on playing for as long as possible and hopefully would like to win a few more medals.
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?
Come along and watch and I guarantee you will be wanting to join in.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
Some are shocked due to my health but I tell them they should come and join in.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
I pay £5 on our Wednesday evening session with the Sunday one FREE for everybody, then its just Astro trainers Socks and normal kit expenses.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Don’t think about wondering what its like just go and play.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
