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?
Played a bit of football, but not at a high level, due to bad knees had to give up at about 36, played a few friendly games but suffered for days afterwards.
About 2 years ago we were invited to try Walking Football, I haven’t looked back since, enjoy the banter and the camaraderie.
How long have you played Walking Football?
I have played for over 2 years and now play 3 times a week at various club sessions in the area.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
As a member of local community hub, we were approached by local SFA rep to give it a try, we had 6 at first session, plenty running and plenty laughing. We now regularly have 14 at our sessions and have about 30 players listed.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
I play 3 times a week, Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday, would play more but work dictates that I can’t.
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?
My own session now takes place on a Wednesday evening at the GA arena in Dundee from 7-8, it’s a mixed session and we have a range of players from 42 – 68.
When you play a game of Walking Football do you play to the WFA, WFS, WFU or FA rules and why did your club decide to follow those rules of the game?
We try to play to the new WFS rules as a Scottish club, all comps up here will be playing to these rules so makes sense.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
I love it, you actually look forward to each session, knowing that everyone will be the same, every club accepts new players like they have been there fromvthe start. Still come home and tell everyone about the save I made, goal I scored etc.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
We try to have a wee warm up, but most just want to play so it’s an individual thing, we also play 3 touch to try to limit contact, but we still end up with the odd “foul”
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
We have played a few tournaments/festivals.
We came second in the Saints in the community comp, good result as most of our team had only had few ours sleep after the Scotland v England game, our other festival was held in Dundee and our team took First AND second.
We are looking forward to playing in the Scottish champs in Glasgow in June and in Holland as the only Scottish team invited. Should be a good laugh.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
Not really.
Still eat and drink the same, but do feel I have more energy.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
I had a gym membership to try to get my fitness back and stop my stomach getting bigger, I have cancelled the gym as I feel I get more fun from my WF sessions than I ever did at the gym.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
Only injuries are the usual innocuous knocks, bruising and the odd slight strain due to stretching for a ball I have no chance of getting to.
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, we have at least one trained first aider and depending on venue there is sometimes a defibrillator, again at least one person knows how to use it.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
Most definitely, I have found a new group of friends, like minded and all with same interest.
The banter between players is always light hearted.
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?
Only fundraising events to help raise money for tournament, we are looking at ways of doing more with the fundraising and once we increase participation we will look at charity work.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Best is starting playing, worst is losing the first tournament on penalties.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
It’s probably taken over it, I am now part of the committee on the SFA east region Walking Football focus group, tasked with helping grow and progress the sport in this area.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
It’s got me playing football again, what’s not to like. You pull your boots back on and feel young again.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
Politics between WFS, WFA, conflicting rules and the fact most comps are for over 50s only.
I am 45, finished playing competitive football in my 30s, but can’t now play in tournaments for another 5 years. I can play weekly sessions, pay my money each week but can’t join in with the competitions.
I understand some of the reasoning, just don’t agree with it, hahaha.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
Yes, when the ball is a few yards/metres away and the opposition player is similar distance away, I have to get there first.
It is difficult not to run, when others around you are running, but its about trying to be disciplined, 3 touch helps as usually it’s one to control, possibly two, then third to pass/shoot.
You can’t get the ball and break down the wing at a “brisk pace”
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
Progress the sport, increase participation in my area and fight to get the minimum age at tournaments lowered as many guys I know stop playing in 30s yet can’t play competitive football until they hit 50, 5s too quick for my knees, might be the same for others out there.
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?
Don’t be nervous, every club I know accept new players, no matter their ability, fitness level.
There is plenty of websites promoting Walking Football, most have session times and contact details. Get off your backsides and get back playing.
YOU WONT REGRET IT.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
Some ridicule the sport as the name suggests it’s played by old infirm individuals at a sedentary pace.
I try to get them to come along to try it for themselves. The fact I am still playing and enjoying it tells them differently.
Some others support the fact I’m not one of those sitting about doing nothing with my life.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
Sessions cost from £2.50 to £5 depending on location, other than that, comfortable clothing and a pair of trainers is all you need, and maybe a water bottle or a drink.
It’s harder than it sounds and a very good workout.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Don’t think about trying it, just do it. You won’t regret it.
Author: The Walking Football
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