How long have you played Walking Football?
2 years.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
I retired and it was for exercise.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
One.
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?
Age group over 50 open to all , our Friday 2-3 session is usually men only , but Thursday 7-8 sees some women players joining us.
When you play a game of Walking Football do you play to the WFA / WFU or FA rules and why did your club decide to follow those rules of the game?
WFA.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
Absolutely fantastic.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
Stretch and warm up before playing.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
Have played in EFL cup , BBC people’s cup , Kingsmaid Tournament at The Ethiad and various local tournaments.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
No I always try to eat healthily.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
Feel fitter less breathless.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
Had problems with fingers when I first played in goal but now wear protective gloves.
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?
Member of The Hive Trust staff takes our sessions and as a league ground we have all facilities including a defibrillator.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
Go for drink with fellow players after a game.
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 walking team held a major charity event at our club, the last one for Age concern uk Harrow where we were invited to meet the CEO and hand over our cheque.
We also raised money for cupcakes for dementia and recently Macmillan coffee morning.
We also played in a cancer charity tournament in Bay point Kent.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Best: mixing with fellow players.
Worst : none.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
Met new people.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
Playing a game I love with like minded people.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
When I lose!
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
At first difficult but get used to it in time.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
To continue to play as long 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?
Go along as you will find the people very friendly and happy to accept you.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
Think it’s great that I am doing something I enjoy.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
Had trainers and sports kit already since being in goal I have bought gloves and jersey.
Club charges £3 per session.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Great game nice to know that although I am no longer fit enough for traditional football I can still play a form of the game I love.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
