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 played rugby at a reasonable standard until I had a viral infection in my leg which made me give up all contact sport around 20 years ago.
How long have you played Walking Football?
About 9 months.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
To get some exercise after I retired from work.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
1 session 2-3pm on Fridays.
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?
Over 50 mainly male, we have had the occasional female join us with no problems.
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?
We play the rules of common sense but they seem to be FA rules.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
As well as the exercise. I really enjoy the banter among the rest of the players who have all been very welcoming.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
I do try and get there early to stretch out.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
I have played in a couple of friendlies against other clubs which have been good fun and also been competitive in a friendly way !!
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
Not really.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
Yes, I feel I can walk further and feel less stiff, also had some repeat blood tests recently which show my cholesterol levels are down.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
Luckily none so far.
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 Hive trust looks after all our needs.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
I have always had a decent social life, I think this has helped me keep involved since retirement.
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?
We do a lot of charity work raising money for Dementia uk and also donating to a local food bank, we have recently held a table tennis/ table football night and have a Christmas party and quiz night planned.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
No bad memories so far , met some great people and it has helped me stay active.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
Health as mentioned and i am now an expert on Facebook thanks to our very active group :))
What do you like most about Walking Football?
Opportunity to play a team sport again.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
Nothing. Really, I think we are lucky with the people at our club.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
As a goalkeeper not really.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
Just to enjoy it, always happy to represent the club if needed but not to the extent where it becomes too serious.
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?
Go for it.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
I have always loved playing sport so I don’t think they were too surprised, a few of my friends want to give it a go.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
£3 per week.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
