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?
I played football until my 50s and then had to give up but then saw an advert for WF and started playing.
How long have you been involved with the running / management of the club?
2-3 years.
Why did you first get involved with helping run your Walking Football club?
One of the more enthusiastic members.
When was your Walking Club formed?
3 years ago.
How many hours per week do you spend on club related matters?
2 hours.
Is your club funded in any way and if so, how did you achieve securing these revenue streams?
No.
Does your club follow rules of the game created by any official body / association? If the answer is yes, why did you decide to follow those association rules?
Use the official rules as a guideline.
How many regular players attend each session and how quickly have numbers grown since the club was formed?
We started with 8-10 players and that has grown to 20-24 a session.
If your club plays a competitive game, rather than one of the weekly Walking Football fitness sessions, do you see any change of attitude in respect of competitiveness in the players?
Yes Football is a competitive game.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if so in which ways?
Yes and No It helps with fitness but the years take their toll.
Have you had any injuries playing and if so what were they?
Yes a swollen knee and I had to have blood syringed from the knee to be able to walk properly.
Do you always have a club member present who has had first aid training at your games and training sessions?
Yes.
Has your social life changed since you became involved with Walking Football, and if so in which ways?
Yes we have a good social side with a cup of tea available after the session.
What are your best and worst Walking Football memories?
- Best was representing Tottenham Hotspurs Foundation at a European WF Tournament.
- Worst was losing in that tournament in the semi final.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
Met some good friends.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
The chance to continue to play football.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
The session is never long enough.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
This is the big question it is difficult but feel the referees have to ensure the rules are followed by everybody.
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 once for a taster and see how great it is.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
Family supportive friends who have not played find it hard to understand the game.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play / run your Walking Football club?
£3 per session.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
