Name: Brian Spenceley.
Age: 54
Location: Edgware.
Walking Football Club Name: Barnet Over 50s Walking Football team.
1) How long have you played Walking Football?
About 18 months.
2) Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
I thought I’d give it a try as I haven’t played football for 25 years and thought it would be good for fitness.
3) How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
Once a week ,on a Thursday 7-8pm at The Hive.
4) Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
I really missed playing when I had to stop years ago.
I really enjoy the camaraderie of playing a team sport again and most of all it’s very enjoyable and fun.
5) What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
Warming up beforehand as it seems much easier to pick up strains when you’re older.
6) Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments?
I’ve played in a few tournament and friendly games and enjoy the competitive edge to them, so long as it’s played in the right spirit and most of all it should be enjoyable .
7) Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
Not really.
8) Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if so in which ways?
Yes it must help with fitness as you can cover a lot of ground in an hour of walking football.
9) Have you had any injuries playing and if so what were they?
I’ve had a couple of muscle strains and am currently waiting for a hernia operation, but I think that was more to do with my work.
10) Do you always have a club member present who has had first aid training at your games and training sessions?
Yes at Barnet FC.
11) Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
Yes, as I’ve met a whole new circle of friends who I also meet sometimes at Barnet home games as well.
12) What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking?
Best memories were playing in the ELF tournament in Luton and reaching the semi finals.
Worst are the rainy Thursday evening sessions where only 6 people turned up.
13) How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
The new friendships and laughs that football brings.
14) What do you like most about Walking football?
Just the enjoyment of playing a football again after many years
15) What do you like least about Walking Football?
People who have a win at all costs attitude and take it far too seriously.
16) What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
To carry on playing for as long as I’m fit enough.
17) 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 give it a try, most people are very friendly and welcoming.
18) What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
They are astonished.
Most people have a bit of a laugh about it, but don’t realise how quick and competitive it is, until they come to see a game
19) What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football?
£3 a session
Author: The Walking Football
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