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 was very sporty as a teenager but as I got older , less and less I’m afraid . I basically stopped playing football in my early 20s so roughly 30 + years before got involved with Walking Football.
How long have you played Walking Football?
About 7 months now.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
I went to watch a session at Barnet and was made to feel very welcome straight away so decided to give it a go the following week and haven’t looked back since.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football?
Once a week but if work allows will go twice.
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?
Sessions can be mixed with one guy being 83 years young.
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 the rules of fair and common sense I would say in our own sessions.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
Definitely thought this ship had sailed but love the banter with the guys and without a doubt I feel a bit fitter.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
Definitely stretching.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
Have played in a couple of tournaments.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
Not really , but my diet wasn’t terrible beforehand!!!
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
Yes. Without a doubt. When I first started I found a hour a real struggle but can definitely feel in myself am finding it easier now.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
I’ve had two. A slight hamstring pull and the sorest which was a pulled calf muscle. They were definitely caused by not warming up properly.
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.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
Really enjoy a couple of beers with the guys after a training session.
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?
Gotta say Barnet WF are extremely good when it comes charity events . Two that spring to mind straight away are The Dementia Charity and The Local Food bank.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Worst has been the injuries and best is just been able to turn up and play.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
It’s been a great talking point with my friends and I’ve even managed to get a few of them playing now as well.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
The fact that I’m able to play it. Ha Ha.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
Nothing.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
Not really to be honest . Definitely pass to feet and quick passing but that’s easier said than done sometimes.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
Just to keep it open to all standard of players which I think Barnet are very good at to be fair.
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?
Definitely give it a go. I was lucky to join a club like Barnet where I was made welcome straight away and would hope all clubs would be like this.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
My family think it’s fantastic and my friends get a great kick out of it by ribbing me all the time but I know they secretly think it’s great as well.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
It costs £3 per session. Can’t complain about that.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Like I say apart from the couple of injuries all has been positive and hope it stays that way. All down to a great bunch of guys and very well run club I’m glad to be involved with.
Long may it continue x
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
