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’m currently a carer for my long-term partner, Anne, and a self-employed tai chi instructor. I’m a also a published writer of fiction and poetry, musician, and long suffering Spurs fan amongst other things. I’ve also struggled with mental health issues off and on most of my life.
I played lot of football at school and for the youth club but only sporadically since my teens until a few years ago when I started playing via Fubles (where matches are arranged online). However, I was playing with much younger guys and injuries were problematic (including a split lip requiring 3 stitches and a frozen shoulder which needed steroid injections) so I reluctantly gave it up. I finally got round to giving walking football a go a few months ago and haven’t looked back since (except when there’s a player behind me).
How long have you played Walking Football?
Recent convert.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
Injuries from playing football.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
At the moment I play once 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?
The Hive Barnet Fc has sessions Thursday 7-8 and Friday 2-3 , they are inclusive and if anyone is recommended by their doctor to attend our sessions then the Hive would look at the possibility of them joining us no matter what age.
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 including no tackles from behind and no direct free kicks.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
It’s great being able to play football again regularly, especially at such a friendly club like Barnet. Getting to know the blokes (mainly blokes) you play with makes it even better.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
I think practising tai chi regularly keeps me generally fit and flexible (although walking football certainly helps with the cardio) but I still like to do a short warm up before playing such as a few sprints and some simple sports stretches, especially for thighs and hamstrings.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
I have my first competitive walking football match coming up in a few weeks (I always knew my talent would be recognised one day, I just didn’t think it would take fifty years).it will be in the Middlesex Fa Central league.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football?
None.
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 is always present and we use the Defib of Barnet FC.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
Meeting the guys and having a drink after our sessions is always fun and a laugh.
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?
Our team holds quiz evenings and games nights and supports many charities including Dementia club Uk Barnet we recently helped launch and appear in the Fa / Prince William film on mental health awareness.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Probably scoring my first (and so far ‘only’ goal), even though my team got beat 6-1 that day. I’m not one of these players who scores a hat-trick and says it doesn’t matter because it’s all about the team!
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
For the first few games I found not running a bit difficult but now I’m used to it and I don’t really notice the difference much. Maybe I never ran very fast before! I actually found it harder to curb my competitive instincts as you can’t really get ‘stuck in’ in walking footie; you have to be a bit more patient.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
Probably to win the world cup. Maybe I’m getting carried away there. I’d probably also have to change my nationality as I wasn’t born the last time England won the world cup (just about). Seriously, just to keep playing and enjoying it.
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?
I would say just give it a go. It’s not about winning or being good, it’s about kicking a ball around again (why should kids have all the fun), the banter, getting/staying fit and healthy as we get older.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
It’s been very cheap. Sessions are only £3, plus maybe a quick drink in the bar afterwards. Luckily I already had astroturf boots. I have been advised to buy shin-pads for competitive games, although I don’t expect to get scythed down by a 75 year old Roy Keane impersonator.
Author: The Walking Football
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