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 the age of 8 right through School and College – played for Newcastle Boys on a few occasions, then discovered ‘wine, women and song’ and settled in to long career in Sunday League football retiring when I was 45 years old due to a bad back which subsequently recovered quickly. Also enjoy running – have done most Great North Runs (only 2 or 3 missed) and have always run to keep fit. 10-15 miles per week.
How long have you played Walking Football?
About 2 years now – wished I’d started sooner.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
A friend in the local pub never shut up about how good it was and he was the trigger for me to get started and see what it was all about. Unlike many people who can’t understand how walking football can be as enjoyable as the running game I was very interested to give it a try!
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
Once usually but have been twice on the odd occasion.
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?
All the Newcastle United Foundation sessions are for any age and gender – no restrictions whatsoever. It’s surprising how Walking football is a great leveller – both sexes can play alongside and against each other, but the coaches make sure the teams are roughly equal in ability before we start.
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?
Broadly along the lines of the WFA rules I believe. I wasn’t party to the decision to adopt them.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
Having not kicked a ball in anger for about 12 years, as soon as I was handed a bib and put in to a side I felt a bit rusty for a few minutes. I was soon getting the touch and feel for the ball again and getting involved with the play and shouting encouragement to teammates. And of course, it makes it all worthwhile seeing the ball go in to the back of the net again!
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
Don’t do enough to be honest! I try where possible to do some leg stretching concentrating on calves, achilles and hamstrings and general warm up exercises. With me those tend to be the areas most vulnerable so it’s worthwhile concentrating on them before playing.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
Played my first tournament last weekend for Last Legs FC (a spin off from the Newcastle United Foundation participants) in the ‘Morrisinghs Cup’ a couple of weeks ago. Two Last Legs teams, two teams from Amble Walking Football Club and one from Ashington took part in a round robin followed by a final between the top two. We topped the round robin league and drew 1-1 with Ashington in the final but lost the tournament on penalties!! Gutted! Was great to play competitively again though and nice to meet teams from other areas.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
Not really, I’m careful what I eat during the week anyway and my running keeps the weight off, so I can indulge at the weekend somewhat.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if so, please describe how?
The running keeps me fitter than the football to be honest, but it also helps me have an edge over some of the less fit guys who play! Playing WF has helped me mentally most though in terms of doing something I used to enjoy again and getting the buzz back!
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
Can’t say I have been injured at all to be honest. The fact that it is walking football means the stress on muscles is much less than in the normal game and of course there is very little contact which is the cause of most football injuries.
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?
Not sure for definite however we play at the training facility of Whitley Bay Football Club so I would be very surprised if there is no defibrillator on site and staff who are First Aiders.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
Not really, I have always had a good social life away from my football however the Newcastle United Foundation had put on a few social nights – one a few weeks ago in a suite at St James Park – and there is a Christmas drinks night arranged for all players very soon.
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?
Yes, as mentioned previously the Newcastle United Foundation organisers have regularly put events on for the players including a Question and Answer session with ex Newcastle United player and Ambassador, Bob Moncur recently.
If you could sum up the benefits or enjoyment Walking Football brings you with a single quote, what would that quote
If you thought you had finished with football – think again – there is no difference to the experience with Walking Football bar the running!
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
All good memories to be honest, what is there not to like? Best memory would be just kicking a ball around again for the first time in 12 years.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
It has made me realise that I missed the ‘crack’ and banter between players in a team situation and starting to play Walking Football has brought It all back again.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
I was not surprised to learn that many of the guys who turn up week after week I used to either play with or against in the local leagues 15/20/25 years ago. Some of them were and still are, really good players having played at a high level and although we play for fun it’s nice to be involved with competitive minded people playing the game we all love and it provides a bit of ‘edge’ to the sessions trying to re-live our youth!
What do you like least about Walking Football? I suppose it is a victim of its own success but its not as much fun when too many players turn up! It either becomes too tight to play for the size of pitch or we have teams that have to sit out for a few minutes at a time. Not good in the depths of mid-winter!
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
It is quite easy to adapt when you have been playing a few minutes, but the most difficult thing is to not run when you try to go past an opponent. WF teaches you to play the ball to feet instead of a natural footballer’s instinct to play it in front. I always say it is ok to walk fast and keep a foot on the ground at all times, but it usually ends up looking like a ‘mince’!
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
Just to continue to for as long as my body allows and maybe pick up a trophy or two along the way. I would eventually like to be part of a team who helps deliver the sport to others – probably when I am retired and have the time.
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?
Just go for it. We all turned up the first time in trepidation about what would happen. Will I make a fool of myself? What if I get injured straight away? Will I be good enough? Your organisers will welcome you with open arms and are trained to make people feel at ease. They will no doubt introduce you to the rest of the players who will all make you feel at home. I know it is the case with the Newcastle United Foundation staff and I am sure all of the coaches around the country, but they go out of their way to make newcomers feel at ease. These issues are put to rest within minutes of starting a game and the rest is pure enjoyment.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
They think it’s great but they are used to me taking regular exercise anyway so they aren’t surprised!
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
There are no fees for the weekly sessions run by Newcastle United Foundation. You simply turn up and play. I did go and buy a new pair of boots after the first few sessions because my old ‘80’s Adidas ‘Sambas’ gave up the ghost after a few weeks! Once you have the gear though you’re all set for a really inexpensive way of keeping fit and enjoying yourself.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I must give a shout out to the great coaching staff at Newcastle United Foundation – Sophie, Nick, and Ashley to name but a few: if any one in the Newcastle area is interested in joining us for a kickabout the details are via this link:
https://nufoundation.org.uk/projects/walking-football-sessions/
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
