How long have you played Walking Football?
Only played very infrequently due to long injury layoffs to ankles, groin, calves and hamstrings.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
I injured my hand and was unable to play racket sports and a friend recommended I try walking football.
I went to a rugby playing school but the idea and opportunity to play the sport again for the first time since being a teenager really appealed.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
I have been hindered badly by injuries but I am trying to build up my fitness so that I am able to play once a week.
If I am able to do that on a regular basis then I would like to increase the frequency if possible as the sport is such great fun.
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?
Sessions are Thursday evenings 7-8 and Fridays 2-3, Thursdays seem to attract mixed gender whilst Fridays are mainly male.
Ages on Thursdays are from the 20s ( never ask a lady her age ) to 70s .. Friday sessions are 50- infinity .
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 lof the game?
We follow WFU rules of common sense , min contact , no heading the ball and a safe zone for the keeper etc.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
Absolutely love it – it’s the highlight of the week.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
Always try to stretch and warm up properly before playing.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
I played in the recent Fa People’s cup. Where Barnet reached the final.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
I have always looked after my diet but now eat more protein after playing.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
Unfortunately no – because of my constant battles with injuries – but walking football is a good motivator for getting healthy again.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
Groin injury – turning suddenly.
Ankle – twisted and fell.
Hamstring – shooting while walking at full stretch.
Calf strains – muscles not conditioned for the increased work load.
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?
As part of the hive trust we play at Barnet FC and have the superb facilities of a league ground.
We have a defrib available.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
I met a lot more people who are interested in football.
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?
We hold an annual charity games evening, this year it is Dementia club uk, last year it was Age uk Harrow.
During the year we raised money for Macmillan coffee morning, cancer research, Foodbank mill hill amongst others.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Best – Playing in the Peoples Cup at the weekend.
Worst – injuring my groin and being unable to play for many months.
Unfortunately it takes much longer to recover from injuries as you get older.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
Made me even more aware of the importance of looking after yourself and staying fit and healthy.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
Being able to play a form of football again.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
The frustration of knowing you are injured and unable to play for a while.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
I have been pulled up for running on several occasions.
I think if it’s possible then always arrange for a referee to be available and that way the correct habits can be formed.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
To stay fit and healthy and 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?
Go along to a session first without playing and meet the people involved to see if that Club is right for you.
You might find you want to play somewhere which is more social or more competitive – each club is different and all have their own culture.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
Pleased for me and very understanding.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
Sessions are £3 for an hour.
The team supply full kit to those who play in competitive matches.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I would recommend the sport to anyone.
Just make sure you build your fitness and playing time up gradually – don’t try to do too much too soon.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
