Background
We currently have a group of around 20 who regularly attend each weekly session. Of these, 90% have not played any sport recently with 20% actually having done nothing of note since school age.
How long have you played Walking Football?
We began in March 2018 and have grown week by week to where we are now.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
The group is built upon fun – it has been likened to a group of mates meeting up once a week for a kick about.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
We began our sessions once per fortnight, but the enjoyment has been so great that we now play weekly.
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?
Our regular session is Male only, not because it is set that way, but because that is who has come along.
We have had female participants and now actually run a weekly women’s session of inclusive sport which will include the opportunity to play football.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
It’s fantastic; the guys who come along didn’t know one another before these sessions, but now meet up prior to each weekly session for coffee and breakfast and have even arranged to meet up over the weekend too.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
Warm Up.
Support one another.
Low risk game.
Respect each other.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
We played two competitive matches recently; one was played in good spirit, the other wasn’t. The opposing team were here just to win and every one of our players commented afterwards that if we go down that route of becoming like them or playing competitively each week that they would no longer come along to our sessions.
If that is indicative of competitive walking football, we will keep to ourselves.
We couldn’t believe some of the tackles flying in, the challenges made and above all the foul and abusive language aimed at the referee.
That’s not what we want to be a part of.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
Certainly made us all more aware, especially during the hot weather and the need for hydration.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
Absolutely, yes! There is no way I would go to the gym but this is something different where people accept me for who I am.
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, the support from AFC Totton and the Stags in the Community is first class. We are all really looked after and made to feel an integral part of the club rather than just a group paying for the facilities.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
We have certainly seen how the group have come together socially and for some this weekly opportunity is such a hugely important part of their weekly life.
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?
Does meeting for breakfast count! A group of the guys meet for Wayne Shaw’s legendary breakfast and come along on a Saturday to watch AFC Totton matches too.
A number of the guys have also started playing inclusive cricket each week at the club too.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Best:
- We have a laugh
- We are one club
- Made new friends
Worst:
- Playing competitively
- Seeing how bad some grown men really can be!
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
Without a doubt; but it is not just down to the Walking Football, it is down to the way in which AFC Totton have set it up and run it each week. They are fantastic.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
New friends.
Camaraderie.
Getting fitter without feeling like being at bootcamp.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
Those teams who have no manners or respect for others.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
Most of us are fine, but there is one (who shall remain nameless!). We are always taking the mickey out of him for his running, it’s hilarious.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
Keep having fun.
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?
Give it a go; have a laugh; don’t take yourself too seriously.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
We pay £3 per week for 90 minutes.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
