Name: Dave Marett
Age: 65
Location: ast Barnet
Walking Football Club Name: Barnet walking football team
Favourite Position: Striker
How long have you played Walking Football?
only 6 weeks.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
I was invited by Steve Chittenden when at a wedding after a few beers, so had to have a go, and so glad I did.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
Only one at moment.
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 have mixed groups of over 50s, we have women players at our Thursday 7-8 session although at the moment there are no ladies at our Friday session .
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?
Being new I am not sure but think WFA.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
It’s great to be able to play football again with a team structure after being forced to curtail playing through injuries in my early 30s.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
I stretch every session to help to avoid injuries ,also drink plenty of water on hot days as to not dehydrated.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
Playing my first fixture against another team Friday November 10 v Orient over 65s and played in Spurs foundation tournament with Barnet over 50s we reached the cup final.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
No change in diet, still like curries and a couple of pints at least once a week.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
I walk every morning and also swim at least twice a week so no real change in fitness, but believe that the mental aspect of meeting people is as important in keeping healthy.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
Slight hamstring problem in first session, think I tried to hard.
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 have members of The Hive Trust present , with all the first aid equipment available at a football league ground.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
Not at the moment but still early days for me.
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?
Once again I am very new to the set up but have already witnessed a fund raiser for Macmillan trust and believe other fund raising events take place.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Best scoring on my debut , no bad memories.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
Making new friends which is important as we get older.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
Apart from playing,The banter.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
Nothing.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
At first it is difficult but you gradually get use to it.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
To enjoy and if good enough to represent my country at my age group, now that would be something ,must have ambitions no matter what age.
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?
Just turn up as all the people are very friendly and there is a complete mixture of abilities.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
They are loving it, I have always been involved with football as a coach so you can appreciate a fare bit of support from ex players, family and friends to do what I have preached.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
£3 a session.
Anything else you’d like to share?
If your at a loose end on Fridays come and join us.
2-3pm at Barnet FC, it’s great fun
Author: The Walking Football
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