Name: Clive Davis
Age: 73 (15/04/1944)
Location: Burntwood Staffordshire
Burntwood Leisure Centre
1) How long have you played Walking Football?
Playing walking football about 2 years.
2) Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
Leisure centre staff suggested I try it.
3) How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
Twice – Tuesday and Friday lunchtimes.
4) Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
Puts a smile on my face to see older people enjoying themselves.
5) What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
Stretch – gentle jog to warm up.
6) Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
Yes – Walsall Football Club Community Tournament. Also against other teams.
7) Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
Eat Less – prior to playing!
8) Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if so in which ways?
Because it’s mainly outside, when playing less aware of colder conditions.
9) Have you had any injuries playing and if so what were they?
Yes – broken little finger, no treatment, ankle damage x-rayed at local hospital.
10) Do you always have a club member present who has had first aid training at your games and training sessions?
Yes – play at the Leisure Centre were staff are trained for any such event.
11) Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
Yes – met like minded individuals and together visited local football matches.
12) What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Best memories – meeting people
Worst – injuries also some individuals become a little competitive.
13) How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
Meeting older people with varying physical abilities and try to involve them and me to perform to the best we can.
14) What do you like most about Walking Football?
Enjoy the actual playing and kicking a football.
15) What do you like least about Walking Football?
Possible injuries and getting physically involved ie tackling.
Depending on ages, and ability the standard can change and rules to suit change also.
16) Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
Yes – advice WALK more often with smaller steps.
17) What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
I intend to play for as long as I’m strong enough in wind and limb!
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?
Going along and watch – or in my case – have a kick-about with grandchildren first.
19) What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
A lot of people have not heard of it.
Those who have, are curious how it’s possible to play ‘Walking’ football.
20) What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football?
Reasonable – £2-50 per hour. Compared to £10-00/ per hour badminton court
(4 players playing doubles would pay £2-50 each)
21) Anything else you’d like to share?
Advertise – where there are suitable places to play encourage these areas to be used for activities such as these.
Also Try and encourage people to train to officiate – More Referee’s for instance.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
