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?
Loved all sports but football was my preferred game. Played for school team and the usual Sunday morning league matches.
Stopped playing 5 side in 2009.
How long have you played Walking Football?
Started playing Walking football in 2017.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
Play once a week on Friday afternoon 2-3pm.
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 Friday sessions 2-3 are for the over 50 s and we have players up to 83 years old, they are unisex we sometimes have 1 or more women players come along.
On Thursday nights 7-8 it’s also unisex session of all abilities.
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 common sense and safety first so FA rules.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
I never thought I would don a pair of football boots again ,and after my first session playing
Walking Football I was totally hooked on it.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different? Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
My diet hasn’t really altered ,and I think my health has definitely improved and I do feel fitter 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 have had a couple of problems with inflammation of the heel, not necessarily caused by football and the usual hamstring and calf strains but no broken bones to mention (yet).
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?
Our sessions are run by The Hive trust so we have a first aide rand defrib available to us , but as a group we also took the Heart Start course in defrib training etc.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
Since I have started playing Walking football I have met some lovely friends who all have one thing in common a love of football and being able to enjoy the buzz that a game of football gives to you.
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?
The club holds various social events and is heavily involved in charity as well .
We recently had a games evening table tennis and table football tournaments with a sit down meal and have been raising supplies for Muswell Hill foodbank helping them restock for the winter.
They informed us we collected a massive 200.2kG of food, the largest non commercial donation Muswell Hill has ever received.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
My highlight was to play for Barnet against West Ham at the London Stadium a team I have supported for over 55 years and help Barnet to a 1-0 victory.
There has not really been any worst moments in Walking Football.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
Walking Football gets me out into the fresh air and after a 1 hour session I feel totally invigorated.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
There are no negatives as far as I am concerned.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
When I first started I did run a couple of times however the more you play the more you get used to walking only.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
I would like to continue playing until my body says otherwise.
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?
If anybody wants to play but is not sure. I would suggest that they just turn up at their local venue and give it a go.
You will be made more than welcome and it doesn’t matter what your standard is.
You will have a great time.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
My wife is totally supportive and encourages me all the time.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
We pay £3 a session to The Hive trust.
So if you fancy giving it a go in a friendly safe fun environment, look forward to meeting you at:
Barnet Fc
The Hive, Camrose Avenue, London, HA8 6AG
Thursday 7-8pm
Friday 2-3pm
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
