Background
In my previous life, I was a primary school teacher/headteacher for 39 years.
I was also a qualified FA Coach and Referee and played competitively until I was in my early 30s.
I worked in Walthamstow, Gateshead, Southampton, Morecambe and Preston.
I coached Jarrow, Hebburn and Felling Schoolboys and Southampton Schoolboys.
I am a fanatical supporter of Sunderland AFC and until recently, I went to nearly every game home and away.
Home games were a 250 mile round trip from Lancashire! In my back garden I have 30ft barrier from Roker Park that I used to lean on as a child.
I have a black labrador called Shackleton after Len ( not Ernest!)
How long have you played Walking Football?
I would say 4 years but my team mates would say “Too long!”
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
My dog walking mate, Steve Hyde, had been to one session and asked me to go!
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
Most weeks twice but sometimes thrice.
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 generally 50s plus but we do have 1 or 2 attend a little younger with medical problems. We have had up to 80s attend. Sessions are unisex.
We have great coaches who help with the management of ages and abilities.
Our Lead Coach is Owen Coyle Jun who is the Chief Coach of the England National Amputee Team.
When you play a game of Walking Football do you play to the WFA / WFU or FA rules and why did your club decide to follow those rules of the game?
That is a difficult question to answer.
It depends on which competitions we have coming up.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
It is really hard to put into words the pleasure that it gives me.
I thought it was a buzz that I would never have again. At 64 I got it back!
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
Warm up carefully.
Warm down carefully.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
Too many to mention.
Our Favourite is The Greater Manchester Leagues at Heywood Sports Village.
The organisation is first rate.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
Generally, try to eat healthier.
I have dramatically cut down on fast food and alcohol.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
I do feel fitter and healthier.
I am two stone lighter than when I started.
However, it does take me longer to recover from injuries than it used to.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
We have stopped entering certain competitions because of some teams interpretation of no contact! (You know who you are!)
The most common injuries that I have received have been toe injuries caused by other players just standing on them!
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?
All of our coaches from Blackpool Community Trust are qualified.
Several of our players are also qualified.
A defibrillator unit is always available.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
The short answer is YES.
An increasing amount of my social life is club related.
Luckily, my wife Carol and dog Shackleton are very supportive.
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?
As a club, we organise a number of social events from golf days to Christmas Party.
Players also socialise after every training session.
We are also taking WAGS on a Spanish Tour in 2018.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Best – scoring the equaliser in the last minute of the final of a competition and then the winning penalty after extra time!
Worst – having to suspend a club member and friend for breaking our code of behaviour.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
It is one of the highlights of every week.
After one session, I am looking forward to the next.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
We have a great set of lads and it is the craic that I look forward to.
Our range of abilities is very wide from Brian and Billy, ex pros, to Ken!
What do you like least about Walking Football?
In some competitions, the behaviour of supposedly grown mature men.
I have witnessed spitting in faces, appalling tackling/assaults and a complete lack of respect for referees.
I have given up playing in Over 50s competitions because of this.
It just isn’t worth it.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
Yes.
Really have to concentrate on keeping one foot on the ground.
Also, the referee is in a far better position to judge than I am!
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
I hope to keep going for as long as possible.
The First 100 year old Walking Footballer?
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?
Do it!
Do it now!
You are missing a great chance to literally change your life!
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
They think its brilliant BUT Carol gets sick about me reliving every single goal after every single training session.
There are a lot of them! lol
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
It costs me £4 for every session.
That must be a bargain compared with the cost of a packet of cigarettes or a pint of beer.
You only need a tee shirt, a pair of shorts, trainers and a pair of shin pads.
If you take it further and start playing in competitions you may need some better boots.
Mine cost £40 online at a discount store BUT not Sports-direct because of their Newcastle United connections!
Anything else you’d like to share?
In the last four years the BEST thing that I have done to improve my health, my quality of life and therefore my life expectancy is to play Walking Football regularly.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
