How long have you played Walking Football?
Several months.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
My background is in cycling and this is an extension of my fitness regime.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
Thursday 7/8pm and Friday 2-3pm.
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?
The sessions at Barnet on a Thursday night are mixed gender of various ages from teen to elderly , it works well and we all enjoy the experience.
On a Friday is 50+ male although it’s open to all of that age and over.
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 lof the game?
We play to the rules of common sense.
Min contact, no tackling from behind, no overhead height or heading the ball .. safe area for keeper ..
Common sense safety for our age group
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
At first I wasn’t competitive but its hard not to be but its a nice healthy competition.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
Well I do my own warm up which has been shown to me by a coach Djamal and I make sure I do these before every game.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
I have played in one tournament which I enjoyed immensely and looking forward to more.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
No.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
I definitely feel better physically surprised how my knee has coped if anything it has improved, also the improvement of my mental heath is amazing.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
Ok my injuries started when I began playing in goal, diving from a standing position, crouching is better ..also my hands, its well worth investing in some good gloves.
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?
We are part of the Hive Trust and a trained first aider is always present, we also have a defibrillator available.
As a team we also have attended Heart start first aid course.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
Most definitely my social life has changed already been to a charity fund raiser held by our walking footy team to raise money for dementia club UK Barnet , an amazing £600.
We also go for a coffee after our Thursday Friday sessions.
The team holds regular events for various charities.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Best memory was keeping an amazing clean sheet one night, also the worse I got a bruised thumb and sore ribs Ha!
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
Walking Football has affected my life in a very positive way after stopping cycling I had almost just give up with sport until seeing Mike Bushal on BBC London news playing and thought I need to give it a go.
I didn’t know what to expect but I have to say its the best thing I have done for a good while.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
They Social and exercise.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
Injuries.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
I don’t find running hard not to be basically because I can’t. :))
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
My goals would be to continue playing for Barnet and get into as many tournaments as I can.
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?
My advice to people wanting to try it out, you got nothing to lose give it a go the people involved in the sport are so nice.
For instance I am traveling to Manchester for the week and just a few posts on social media and I now have two games to go to, one at the etihad complex.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
Most people just don’t understand the walking bit but after a while see the idea, my family and friends have been very supportive, probably because they see the positives to my physical and mental Health.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
The cost are minimal only £3 per hour session, not much kit needed just a pair of Astro turf boots which do make a difference.
The only other expense was my gloves.
So basically just get in touch with your local club and give it a go.
Author: The Walking Football
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