How long have you played Walking Football?
About 2 years.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
We started Walking Football sessions at Broadhurst Park at FC United’s new ground soon after the ground was opened with the inaugural match: FC United of Manchester v Benfica on 29 May 2015.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
Usually once or twice, depending on my work commitments.
On Monday evenings we have a match or matches ( depending on numbers) and on Wednesday evenings there is a less competitive, more social session.
Both are enjoyable for different reasons.
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?
AS FCUM is a community club we try to be very inclusive and don’t have an age limit and we do have a few female players.
Some better than the men.
On Monday evenings sometimes it can be too competitive if the age ranges are too low.
Those of us that are older would sometimes benefit from more age restrictions and we have occasionally played in age related tournaments. Wednesday is mixed ages and mixed sexes but much more relaxed.
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?
As we don’t have referees, we tend to stick to the head height and the no running rules but I can’t say we differentiate on the ruling bodies.
It’s good humoured and not too serious with lots of banter.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
I really enjoy it and as we play outside on the 3G (under floodlights in winter) in all weathers it’s good to get the exercise, fresh air, a good social atmosphere and the chance to be 14 again.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
Training? It’s about getting to the ground on time and not being stupid.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
We have played in a few local tournaments and we ran our own tournament last summer.
We entered 3 teams on that day.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
My diet is the same but I’d hope it was pretty healthy in any event.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
I feel much fitter, both physically and mentally.
The exercise is great ( as it doesn’t feel like you are exercising, just having fun), the fresh air is a benefit which I enjoy after working in an office environment.
It’s great socially and we have a fantastic range of people who join in from all walks of life so it’s very inclusive.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
The worst injury I have had was being kicked on my big toe and eventually losing the toe nail which stopped me playing for a few weeks.
I don’t think I have had much else, perhaps the odd strained muscle.
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?
I’m not sure about this.
It’s certainly not a rule that we have to have a first aider as we are basically a self-motivated group that turns up and plays.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
FCUM has changed my life in that it is (generally) very inclusive, save for the odd bit of internal politics.
I’ve made lots of friends there and enjoy going to matches and meeting up with lots of people on a regular basis.
Whether that is at the matches or Walking Football it is all part of the clubs ethos.
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?
FCUM has its own events ( music, comedy, dinners etc.) and apart from the odd drinks the Walking Footballers haven’t done anything on their own specifically.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
The best was the first tournament we played a few weeks after we had started. It was good fun and we did alright and didn’t disgrace ourselves.
The worst are the odd occasions when there are too many younger ones who are too competitive who take it too seriously.
I’d rather they stuck to 5 a side.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
The exercise, camaraderie, the fresh air and there is a great thrill, even now, when you score the odd goal.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
If it’s too competitive.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
Yes it can be difficult.
It is hard to curb your enthusiasm and not to try and stop that ball going out of play.
The best advice is to “play to feet”
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
As I work less over the coming months I’d like to think about getting involved in more organisation and perhaps try to set up some age groups.
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?
Certainly somewhere like our club, new members are welcomed and nobody worries about skill levels.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
I think originally they were bemused but they’ve come to see it’s beneficial.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
Our weekly costs are £3 on Monday and , because there are less on a Wednesday its £5.
We are trying to encourage more beginners to join our Wednesday sessions, in which case the cost would reduce.
We use the club bibs and for tournaments we have access to various club kits ( We are very proud of our red heritage and shirts).
Initially I wore trainers but after my toe injury I bought a pair of 3G boots which were a good investment and not too expensive.
Anything else you’d like to share?
It’s really good fun and well worth giving it ago; male or female or whatever age.
Author: The Walking Football
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