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 11-a-side football from the age of 14 (1959) until I retired in January 2018 (never cautioned or sent off!) and only because I underwent total knee replacement surgery. I was missing playing football so I took up WF in December 2019.
In my time I have founded two football leagues and taken both junior and vets teams abroad.
Also I am a qualified referee and was an FA Coach.
How long have you played Walking Football?
2 months.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
December 2019.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
Once at the hive Fridays 2-3.
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?
At Barnet FC there are two weekly sessions for almost any age category with females welcome.
Thursday 7-8 & Friday 2-3.
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?
Having retired 2 years ago I was delighted to be able to brush the dust off my football boots and continue playing. I didn’t realise how much I had missed playing.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
I haven’t been involved in a training session yet.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
I just made my Barnet debut in an over 70s fixture v Cheshunt in a 1-1 draw.
And I have played in the England community walking football team over 70s training fixtures.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
Too soon to say.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
My stamina is improving.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
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?
Our sessions are run by the hive trust the community arm of Barnet fc , we have trained first aiders and defibrillators.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
Not yet.
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?
Yes the lads are famous for fund raising , dementia club Barnet, mind mental health awareness Harrow, The muswell hill foodbank to name but 3, monies raised from games evenings etc.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
All good.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
It is a perfect fit with my other sports lawn bowls and tennis.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
Good football and good friendships.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
Sometimes too many players on a small pitch.
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 difficult not to run so I found it a good idea to practice walking fast at other times during every day activities.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
To challenge for places in younger teams and to play as often as possible.
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?
Find someone who plays regularly and let them mentor you for the first two times you attend a session.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
They think I’m crazy but very impressed.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
Since I have kit accumulated over many years I only have the session fee to pay so very inexpensive.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I’m very much looking forward to many more years of WF especially matches against other clubs.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
