How long have you played Walking Football?
Nearly 2 years.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
I stopped playing 5 aside in my mid/late 40s, I saw an ad at Barnet and thought I’d give it a go. I’ve been hooked ever since!
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
Usually once a week, although occasionally I take part in a second session.
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?
They are advertised for over 50s, although younger people are welcomed. The sessions are mainly male although my daughter plays and sometimes some other ladies.
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?
WFA rules.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
Having not played for so long I never thought I’d play again – absolutely delighted!
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
I do stretches before a weekly session, although quite frankly they can be replaced by a chat/ kick around. Something I need to pay more attention to!
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
Yes – tournaments at Uxbridge, Cove Rangers & Feltham spring to mind plus some friendlies against other teams.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
No it hasn’t.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
Yes, despite it being Walking, it helps on the cardiovascular side.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
Fortunately I haven’t had any serious injuries.
There was one game when I got back twinges and I put myself in goal – although it wasn’t due to any other player.
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?
Yes.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
We have a drink and a chat after the weekly session.
A few of the others are Barnet fans, so I also see them at games.
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?
There is Christmas get together.
There is also a charity games evening with other halves.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Playing my first game in a tournament and putting on a Barnet shirt.
It’s every school boys dream to play for their club and while it isn’t quite the big stage, it happening in my late 50s was unexpected and a real buzz.
Another great memory was scoring on my international debut (lol!). We played the Swedish Barnet fan club on international supporters day , and a long range shot found its way into the net.
The moment was videoed and a photo ended up in the Barnet programme!
No bad memories.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
I try to arrange other stuff around my walking football – what more can I say?
What do you like most about Walking Football?
The friendly and inclusive atmosphere – we all want to win & do well, but the games are played in the right spirit.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
The very occasional exception to that!
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
It can be difficult – an extra split second’s thought might help you not try something which can only be achieved by a run.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
To carry on playing as long as I can.
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?
I was in that boat, especially as I’d never been the strongest player – there is no harm in giving it a go!
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
No comments about me playing again, other than the ‘walking’ side amuses people occasionally.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
It’s £3 for the regular sessions.
Barnet provides bibs for the weekly sessions and shirts for tournaments.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Nothing really.
Other than if you haven’t tried walking football and are unsure – do give it a go!
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
