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 regular football from the early age of 8 right through to the age of 43 when a double groin strain forced me to retire, I then took up walking football aged 49.
How long have you played Walking Football?
2 years.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
I always missed playing football after retiring so this was the perfect opportunity to resurrect my career.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
1 to 2.
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 unisex sessions 4 time’s a week, 2 during the day and two in the evening. The Monday session is open to all ages but the other 3 are over 50’s only.
When you play a game of Walking Football do you play to the WFA, WFS or FA rules and why did your club decide to follow those rules of the game?
WFA and the club used those right from the start 4 years ago.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
I am very competitive and just kicking a ball gets the adrenaline flowing.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
Don’t stretch for balls that I’ll never get.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
Devon FA League.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
Not at all.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
Yes, it’s good rehabilitation for my osteoarthritis.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
A cracked rib in a feisty Devon League match against our local rivals Plymouth but it was an accident.
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 to both.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
Yes I’ve met some great people within the club and we even have a Christmas lunch event with awards and a raffle.
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?
No, apart from our Christmas lunch.
If you could sum up the benefits or enjoyment Walking Football brings you with a single quote, what would that quote be?
It’s good to be back on the pitch again after all these years away from it.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Being made Captain of the Exeter City A team in the Devon League.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
Feel much more fitter.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
The buzz of playing as a team.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
Losing.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
Once you adapt and play ball to feet it becomes so easy, it’s all about being in the right position to receive the ball.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
To make it into the England over 50’s squad.
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?
Come and watch a session before you decide.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
They laughed, but now quite a few of them play alongside me now lol.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
£4 a session and buy your own trainers/boots.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I love it.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
