Name: Mick Hill
Age:57
Location: Grimsby
Walking Football Club Name: Grimsby Corinthians
How long have you played Walking Football? 2 ½ years
2) Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and needed to find exercise to help with weight loss. Went down to the local club and reignited my sporting career through walking football.
4) How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
2 sessions a week plus competitions as and when
3) What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
Warm up, but needs to be better.
5) Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
FA Peoples Cup twice, Jules Rimet Trophy (Leeds), Grimsby Ancients Festival twice,
6) Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
Diet changed due to diabetes regime.
7) Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if so in which ways?
Because of my dietary regime and the added extra exercise through walking football I have lost around 1 ½ stones in weight. I feel fitter and generally healthier.
8) Have you had any injuries playing and if so what were they?
I have suffered muscular injuries. Initially I suffered with strained front thigh muscles from a return to kicking a football. I am now suffering from a recurring hamstring strain. It has happened about 4 times now all from a change in direction whilst playing. I am going to seek some medical advice to see if there is an underlying issue causing these strains.
9) Do you always have a club member present who has had first aid training at your games and training sessions?
Yes. We have trained coaches with first aid qualifications. I have recently attended an FA first aid course as well.
10) Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
Old friendships have been rekindled but many new ones made as well. The chats after each session are invaluable to some members of the group.
11) What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Best memory is contributing to the Grimsby Ancients FA Peoples Cup win with a number of goals in the first round and semi-final stage. (Unable to play in final due to holiday)
Worst memory is the internal wrangling’s of a club such as Grimsby Ancients and how personalities think themselves to be more important than the membership.
12) How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
I have increased my use of social media, I have been involved in national discussions about walking football.
13) What do you like most about Walking Football?
The camaraderie and friendships alongside improved fitness and mental well being.
14) What do you like least about Walking Football?
Over physicality during play, Running and dissent towards referees.
15) What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
Influence change in the national game, improve refereeing standards and most importantly maintain or improve personal fitness levels.
16) Anything else you’d like to share?
Players, organisers and club officials need to recognise that walking football is for all. Age groupings need to be improved. Recognition that inter club games can be played at varying levels – Competitive, Friendly, Social etc.
Play Slow, Play Fair, Play well
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
