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 never played competitive sport. I did play lunchtime sport at school mostly football and Aussie Rules. I only got involved with sport through my sons who started to play football. I liked it so much that I eventually became president of the club.
How long have you played Walking Football?
We started WF in Nov 2018 at the club after seeing it being played on the other side of town. I introduced it to the club back then.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
I loved the concept, the way of providing exercise to older members and bringing the older members and ex-members of the club back into the fold.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
I help to run it twice a week now. We are getting calls to run it more often too. Time will tell.
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?
For a start we welcome both sexes. The group is mostly 56 – 80 years old. We only have 1 field to play on so it depends on how many turn up as to how we structure the game. If it is 14 or less we break up into 2 teams. If it is 15 or more we break into 3 teams. We run for 1 – 1.5 hours depending on the numbers. Very importantly we have coffee/tea together after the game and sit around talking nonsense.
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?
Not sure what those rules are but we made it up as we went along over time. We play, not above waist height, kick in from sidelines, keeper stays in his/her area and no one can intrude in that area. No running of course, or at least we try not to run.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
I get a buzz at seeing the players making new friends. Yes I also get a buzz at playing and of course scoring. I also get a huge buzz from seeing people play football that have never played any game in their lives – they love it!
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
Ball is not to go above waist height. That rule is set and will not change. We don’t want to be knocking out our members.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
No, we only play social.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
More biscuits with our after game coffees.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
Yes and happier too.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
In the very beginning you get a couple of strains and niggles, then you realise that you shouldn’t overstretch for the ball during a game.
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?
Maybe in a small way. Sometimes players will go to the football together.
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, not yet.
If you could sum up the benefits or enjoyment Walking Football brings you with a single quote, what would that quote be?
I always tell my players “keep on walking!” To me it means many things like don’t take life too seriously, overcome your fears and pains, strive to do better in all things etc.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Best – seeing our female members score (when they only started playing 12 months ago).
Worst – this week was the worst when we had our first WF funeral for a member that passed away suddenly. We were all shocked by that.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
Made me more social and happier.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
The camaraderie, making new friends, learning about different people.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
Its only twice a week! Seriously the fact that we only have 1 field to play on. If we had more fields we would fill them easily.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
Yes, at first you have to hold yourself back. It takes about 2 – 4 weeks to get used to it.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
To roll it out to people with depression issues etc. Also to more elderly people in the community.
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?
Its no different to going to your first day at school. Say hello to everyone. At our club everyone is friendly and understanding. You get the hang of it quickly.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
They love the idea and see the benefits. Some of my friends just haven’t taken up the challenge yet.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
The club and the president (who I know personally) help out a lot. We charge $50 for a 6 month membership. No uniforms needed, we provide bibs. We got a nice government grant for equipment. The field hire is negligible. We wanted to make WF affordable to all members.
Anything else you’d like to share?
WF has only been going on for about 1 year on my side of Melbourne, but I can see it exploding in popularity in the next couple of years. It would be great to set up regular tournaments then.
Keep on walking!
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
