How long have you played Walking Football?
3 years.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
One of the guys Kevin Trotter told me about it, and I had seen the Barclays Commercial.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
Every Friday evening, and occasionally at other times.
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?
Friday nights are the guys still mainly working, ages between 50 – 60.
When you play a game of Walking Football do you play to the WFA / WFU, FA or your own set of rules? What was the decision behind the rules you have chosen to officiate with?
We play “Quinny” rules, 3 Touch, Under head height, minimal physical contact.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
I love kicking a ball about in a competitive environment, the banter and the laughs.
I still want to win though when we play in competitions.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
I always stretch before driving to sessions, then straight before we play.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
Don’t play in any leagues, but have played and won a number of Tournaments at home and in Italy.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
I don’t drink during the week any more, which I thought would be tough !!!!
My Mrs always cooks healthy meals.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
I feel fitter than I have done since my early 40s, I played Suburban league Football till I was 41, then played Veterans Football.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
Calf and ankle injuries, wear protective bandages for both now.
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 Mick Quinn is very safety focused.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
Yes a bit, meeting guys I played with and against in my younger days and also many new pals made.
Love the Tournaments abroad, the banter, wind ups, micky taking, and old boys behaving like Teenagers again. Brilliant.
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?
We regularly donate to charities and have donated to an Italian children’s foundation for the last two years while at the tournaments.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Winning Tournaments, Losing in a Tournament. I’m a Glasgow Boy, we don’t like not to Win.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
Just feeling fitter, and putting the kit back on.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
Kicking a ball about in a competitive environment and the Banter and laughs.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
Having to take my turn in goal, try to avoid it.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
I find it difficult not to run, especially if the other team are running!!!, Mind-set is the only way.
Walking Football requires more thought than normal football.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
I would love to play for Scotland at Walking Football, and to win every Tournament I play in.
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?
Try and get a pal to go with you, we welcome new players at CRAP.What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
My 3 kids get annoyed about me talking it up all the time, but I think they are pleased to see the old man playing the game he loves.
The Mrs Now calls me Mc Pele.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
£3.50 per evening session. £25.00 for Boots.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Be nice if the rules could be sorted out across the country, especially not playing off boards and no multi touch competitions.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
