How long have you played Walking Football?
Since April 2017 so 7 Months.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
After Mansfield Town’s Football in the Community ran a course for the over 50’s on healthy lifestyle with Everyone Health and as a group we decided to keep up the footballing side of the activity and started the Walking Football sessions.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
At present once a week on a Saturday morning, however hopefully as it’s grows we will be looking at more sessions.
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?
The sessions are for the over 50’s and are open to everyone who loves the game of football and wants to get fitter and have a great laugh.
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?
At present I would say we have a mixture of all three, however going forward I would like to think that it will be all worked out between the FA and WFA/WFU to have a definitive set of rules that we can all adhere to.
As a referee as well as a player I would like the WFA rules to be implemented so that there is no contact and the running element is tightened up on ( although it’s very hard not to run!!)
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
Playing football again gives us all a massive buzz, as a collective we are fitter, better players and have developed good friendships, so I believe it not only helps with fitness but also your mental health.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
The football in the community team ensure that we have a good warm up and stretch before we start our sessions, this is vital in preventing injuries and stopping stiffness later on in the day and the days after.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
At present we have had a few friendlies but are looking to enter some of the tournaments in our area, the friendlies have all been great sessions and played in the true spirit of Walking Football.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
The course we did prior to us starting the Walking Football with Mansfield Town Football in the Community and Everyone Health opened all of our eyes into our diets and it has changed all of our habits for the better.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
Definitely fitter and healthier since I started Walking Football, I do try to stay active with my refereeing so this is another add on to helping me.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
Thankfully I have not suffered any injuries (touch wood!)
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 a number of the players who are first aid trained and the staff from Football in the community are all first aiders and a defibrillator is on hand if heaven forbit it’s ever required.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
Yes, I know have something to look forward to on a Saturday morning, prior to going off in the afternoon to be abused for 90 minutes whilst refereeing!
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?
The Club are looking at holding walking football events and have done in the past before we actually had a team.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Best memory is in a mini 4 side festival (2 from Mansfield Town and 2 from Bassetlaw) against our other side in the final game of the tournament curling the ball into the goal from the corner flag.
At the moment I would say there have been no bad memories.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
It has enabled me to play a game that I have loved all my life where it’s enjoyable and safe in the knowledge that we all just want to play and enjoy the game.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
The laugh you can have during and after the game.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
Running by players and it not being picked up.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
It’s always going to be difficult not to run or to have the urge, the advice I would give to anyone is to watch how the race walkers do it and adopt the style ensuring that the leading leg is straight on contact with the ground and stays that way until the next step is made, use your hips and arms to help you gain the speed you require.
When refereeing a festival in Belper my view was if it looks like running then generally it is.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
Our Goals are to get the Mansfield Town Walking Football session a lot more popular and have a number of teams at all ages playing for the mighty Stags!
Also I would like to referee at the highest level in Walking Fotball in the future.
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?
My advice would be don’t be nervous and to come along, we are a friendly bunch and of all mixed abilities so if you can walk kick a ball and enjoy the game come along and join in.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
Friends and family give me a bit of stick but they do about my refereeing so it’s water of a ducks back, it’s all done in good taste.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
The sessions cost £2 for an hours Walking Football, our kit was kindly donated by Everyone Health and Mansfield Town Football in the Community and foot ware, I’m sure we all have some trainers and a tracksuit or shorts and a t-shirt to start with, so very little cost to joining in with a Walking Football session wherever you are.
Anything else you’d like to share?
If you’ve seen it on the tv and read about Walking Football get yourselves along to a session and have fun and get yourself fitter.
Huge Benefits
- Keeps you fit & healthy
- Reduces stress
- Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease & strokes
- Improves blood pressure & blood sugar levels
- Improves balance & strength
- Improves reaction times
- Boosts self-esteem & confidence
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
