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?
As a teenager around 13, I had a bad injury to my left knee, after many operations lasting into my early thirties , I started to play indoor cricket but wouldn’t risk football due to possible contact, at the age of 50 I needed a full knee replacement.
How long have you played Walking Football?
I have been involved with my local club now for nearly 3 years, after watching my friends play for a few months I decided to give it a go and haven’t looked back since!
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
We train each Thursday, and try to get as many friendliest as possible, we also play in our own league tournament through the Birmingham county FA, and the WFA tournament.
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?
We currently have around members 50,s-60,s and 65,s but as yet no women as we can’t seem to get any players.
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 use the WFA rules with a couple of small tweaks, pitch size and goal size, we prefer junior goals!
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
Just a gentle warm up always helps you do t have to go mad though.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
The only injuries so far during our games have been muscular.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?
We do have first aiders but do not have a defibrillator.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
We have a great social life now with new friends we wouldn’t of met without the 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 our annual Charity tournament for Cancers Research and the British Heart Foundation.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
There haven’t been any bad moments, just great fun every time we get together.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
At my age I cannot believe I can still play competitive football, so it’s been a great improvement in my health and happiness.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
Running is an issue, the younger players especially, but this seems to be the same for every team we play so as long as you’re not gaining an advantage, no problem.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
As treasurer of the Birmingham County Walking Football League, I want to see the sport grow and have a settled set of rules we all use.
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 for it you won’t regret it I guarantee!
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
My friends and family think it’s great that we can still play and get some exercise in the proces.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
We pay £5 per week for our pitches per person.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
