1) Background
Name: Mike Moate
Age: 72
Location: Barnet FC, The Hive, Camrose Avenue, Edgware
Walking Football Club Name: Barnet WFT
How long have you played Walking Football? 2 years
2) Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
I was approached by Steve Baron Head of Community at Barnet FC who planned to start Walking Football. Have always bee keen on sport having played both soccer and rugby for many years thought that this would be a great way to keep fit and also mix socially with the other players.
3)How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
Once a week, Friday afternoon. 2-3pm
4) What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
The enforcement of the no contact rule is very important.
5) Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
Have played competitive for Barnet over 50s at such places as Arsenal, Leyton Orient, West Ham and Watford.
Playing in a regular Over 65 round robin run by Dagenham at Romford and looking forward to many more.
6) Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
No change as I like to think I have a healthy diet.
Perhaps the one or two extra beers at our social gatherings
7) Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if so in which ways?
Yes I feel fitter I used to have trouble lasting the hour on a Friday afternoon but no longer.
Playing in our regular Over 65s we are playing up to 5/6 12 minute competitive games and feel good at the end of it.
8) Have you had any injuries playing and if so what were they?
One knock on the knee in two years.
9) Do you always have a club member present who has had first aid training at your games and training sessions?
Yes.
10) Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
We have a great crowd of guys. Drinks/refreshments are always taken after our Friday.
We have had a number of social evenings where we have made money for local and national charities.t
11) What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Best – The best time was our first home game at the Hive when we walked in to the changing room to find the kit all laid out just like the first team
Worst – To be quite honest so far I have had no bad experiences.
12) How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
As a Barnet FC member I meet many supporters at games and it is becoming more common for folk to ask how the walking football is going.
Its not just interest from those taking part but from friends and Barnet FC supporters.
13) What do you like most about Walking Football?
I obviously actually like playing the game but meeting with our own players and going to tournaments and meeting players from other clubs is
fantastic.
14) What do you like least about Walking Football?
To me the game is there for us men, of more senior years, to enjoy the game.
There are certain players I have come across are win at all costs and I feel they have no place in this game.
Be competitive but not at all costs.
15) What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
I want to continue for as long as I can.
I have applied for the Referees course so when I am not playing I can referee so as to give others the opportunity to join in and enjoy it as much as I have.
16) Anything else you’d like to share?
I have had a great time playing this game. Others out there may think that they are too old but this is not so.
We have a player who is over 80.
Get out, find a local club and enjoy.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
