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 football from a very young age all the way up to my late thirties and decide to retire from competitive games.
Had a few years just occassionally playing in friendlies whilest getting some of my coaching badges.
How long have you played Walking Football?
I have been playing Walking Football now for about a year and a half.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
Missed playing the game and was interested to try it out. I was hooked after the first session I went to.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
I train usually once a week with the Leeds Titans on a Thursday evening and then we play in competitions at weekends.
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?
Our sessions are open to anyone to come and join in.
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 usually play to the WFA rules but as long as there is a game available we will play to any rules.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
It is amazing to feel that buzz again when you know you have a game on a match day.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
A good warm up is very important to help avoid injuries and also at the end of the session warm down.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
Now played in many competitions and getting to the FA Peoples cup final in my first half year of playing the game was an amazing experience. Currently playing for Leeds in the NPL and have recently been selected for the England over 50s squad.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
I have cut down on my sugar intake and lost a few pounds and certainly feel fitter from playing the game.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
Never had an injury yet playing.
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?
Absolutely. The facilities at GOALS where we play and train are first class.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
It has changed as I now have a lot more friends not only from just at Leeds but from around the country.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Getting to the Peoples cup final was an amazing experience but also a sad one as we got beat in the final.
Also the whole experience of the trials at Burnley and then down in Solihull and then going down to Brighton with the England team.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
It has given me a whole new lease of life since starting playing the game to realise that just because you get to a certain age that there is no where to go in the game.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
Amazing opportunities to meet new people and play the game I have always loved playing.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
Rather not say.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
It is difficult not to run sometimes despite yourself thinking you arent but if the referees are pulling you up for it from the outset you soon learn.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
Hopefully to remain fit and healthy and to focus on playing well for my club and when playing for England.
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?
Give it a go and ignore any adverts on TV involving banks.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
They are extremely proud with what I have achieved over the last year and a half and they all know how much I love the game.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees ?
Weekly session fees are usually £5 for training.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
