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?
Since a kid I always played football and cricket and first started playing football competitively at Youth Club at about 12/13 and continued till I was 24 when I snapped my cruciate ligament and damaged my knee cartilages – I was in plaster for 6 months and had two operations, after that I only played 5 a side till my early thirties and then tried other less physical sports like golf and tennis, but probably haven’t done any for the last 20 years.
How long have you played Walking Football?
About 11/12 months.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
My first love was football and seemed a good way of playing at some level again and also for the physical side of it to improve my fitness.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
1-2 a week.
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?
It is primarily male although there are sometimes 1 or 2 girls there and generally the majority of men are over 50.
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 to FA rules.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
I thought the only team sport I would play in retirement was bowls and Walking Football is a lot more fun.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
Always have a warm up.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
I made my debut in the recent over 65 round robin started by shaun , and managed to score For the Barnet Bio Bees .. Bio standing for Barnet incredibly old bees … Shaun’s idea of humour :))
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
No – I have always tried to eat healthily.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
Yes – as I have also retired so I am now less sedentary and might even have lost a bit of flab.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
I have only had a couple of knocks to the shins but nothing serious.
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 we have a member of the hive trust present who is first aid trained and we have a defrib available.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
After our sessions we go for a drink to the hive bar.
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?
Since I have been going they have held a sports quiz evening but they hold regular fund raising activities for local charities.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Worst memory – playing in the cold – best memory scoring a goal.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
None.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
The camaraderie, and the sense of enjoying a game in which although I am relatively old have achieved satisfaction from playing.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
Waking up the following morning with aching joints.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
Yes it is very difficult not to run and I would advise to play a short ball as quickly as possible.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
Just to keep playing.
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?
Join in – they will not be disappointed.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
Mostly admiration and amusement.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
One off for the correct footwear – other than that a nominal amount for the use of the pitches ( I think).
Anything else you’d like to share?
Its fun, it keeps you fit , get plenty of fresh air and your with people of your own age and you meet a great cross section of people.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
