Could you start by telling us a little about your background such as if you were you a sporty person when you were younger, and how long you had a break from playing sports before you got involved with Walking Football?
I have always loved sport, in my younger days I did everything from football, cricket, cycling (mtb and road), running, bowls. I played football for a pub team in a Sunday league and also played in a 5-a-side league but stopped playing football at 28 yrs old to concentrate on running. I did my first of 11 marathons and didn’t play football because I didn’t want to risk injury.
I stopped running competitively about 10 years ago but I have continued just for fitness. I now tend to keep having breaks because I get lazy and my weight . goes up rapidly…… until I get motivated again and have to lose it. I tend to feel great and enjoy the football more when I’m running as it keeps me fit but being unfit and overweight doesn’t stop me from playing.
I started playing Walking Football two years ago when I noticed an old school friend posting about it on Facebook and I’ve never looked back since, I am enjoying football now more than ever! It’s fantastic for me as I didn’t think I would ever get to play football again!
How long have you played Walking Football?
2 Years.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
I saw an old school friend posting about it on Facebook.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
Twice at the moment, I have previously tried to play in four sessions a week but it was too time consuming and interfered with work commitments.
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?
The sessions I attend are open to anyone, male or female and we do get some younger players too. I think the sessions in Accrington are aimed at over 50’s but we never turn anyone away. The sessions I play at in Haslingden are open to anyone.
When you play a game of Walking Football do you play to the WFA, WFS, WFU or FA rules and why did your club decide to follow those rules of the game?
I’m not sure which rules we play to be honest, we play the following;
No overhead height. No entering the area. Offside rule not played. Pass backs are allowed. One step only for a penalty.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
I love it, I love playing in competitions and weekly sessions, it reminds me of being back in the school yard when we were kids!
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
Stretching! I never stretched properly when I was younger but now I know that I will injure myself if I don’t stretch….guaranteed! I also wear strong elasticated supports on my calves and these have prevented frequent calf strains.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
We have played in a couple of friendly tournaments, one at Manchester City and a couple at the Primet Academy in Colne but no serious competitions or leagues. I think some of us would like to play in more competitions and a league.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
Not really, I have found that I’m drinking isotonic drinks now though and these are helping prevent cramp as I was suffering a little with cramp after playing.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
Yes, I feel rejuvenated… I missed competitive sport since I stopped running marathons and other races.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
Calf strains were frequent injuries for me when I started because I wasn’t warming up properly. Now I stretch and warm up and also wear calf supports. I have had a black eye and a mild concussion after my head got in the way of a very powerful shot on goal….. I was the Keeper at the time and I did prevent a scoring opportunity so I suppose it was worth it lol.
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?
I believe there is a defibrillator at one session we go to and I would guess there would be at the other but to be honest I’m not sure. The sessions take place in Sports/Leisure Centres and so I would imagine there are trained first aiders nearby. I am first aid trained but I’m not sure about the other attendees.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
Not really, although I know some members got together for a Christmas drink. I have to work and drive so I passed on that.
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?
No.
If you could sum up the benefits or enjoyment Walking Football brings you with a single quote, what would that quote be?
I feel like I’ve turned the clock back 30 years, in fact I’m sure I’m much better at Walking Football than I ever was in the regular game before.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Best memory so far is getting to the semi final of a small friendly tournament at Manchester City, we lost by one goal to the eventual winners.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
I really look forward to the sessions. It’s given me something to train for besides just keeping fit.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
The satisfaction when you’ve put in a good all round performance.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
The black eye wasn’t good lol.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
It is difficult, I’m not sure I could offer advice… the interpretation of running is inconsistent too and so what seems like a fast walk one week can be deemed running the next.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
I would like to play in a team in a league and tournaments, even if I consider starting and running one myself in future if nothing happens with the groups I attend now.
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 do it… as Nike say! It is a little daunting for that first session but the groups are usually really friendly and welcoming.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
They mostly think walking football is a bit of a joke I think, I do try to win them round to come and give it a try but the only ones I’ve succeeded with so far are a heck of a lot younger.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
We pay £4.00 per session.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I think there should perhaps be two forms promoted and developed alongside each other with ‘Veterans’ football for those who still want to run a little and then ‘Walking’ Football for those who want the slower pace. I think there is room to develop both together and those playing the ‘Veterans’ game could migrate to the ‘Walking’ game when they’re ready.
Author: The Walking Football
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