How long have you played Walking Football?
Exactly 2 years.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
It was recommended to me by a friend, I wanted to stay fit, and thought it would be a breeze!!!!!!
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
Once.
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 are for over 50s, male only, highly competitive in a friendly way.
When you play a game of Walking Football do you play to the WFA / WFU, FA or your own set of rules? What was the decision behind the rules you have chosen to officiate with?
We play to a modified standard rule set with some additions to enhance safety.
The modifications reduce the risk of injury and accidents whilst ensuring competitive games.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
Fantastic – it is something I never thought I would/could do again any my age.
I have always been passionate about football both playing and watching but thought the curtain had fallen on the playing side.
It is difficult to describe the excitement and enjoyment and how much I look forward to each weekly session.
I feel like a child – some say I play like one! It is one of the main highlights of my week.
I feel it is a boost to mental and emotional welfare and brings together a large number of like minded fellows.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
Single sex / Head height rule / 3 touch.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
I have played in a wide number of local and international tournaments in the U.K. and overseas.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
Yes, as a nine stone weakling I eat more to have the energy to keep fit and improve my stamina.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
Yes.
It has given me the incentive to strive for a better level of fitness to improve my performance.
Also, I believe that being fitter is a sound way to minimise injury while playing.
It has improved my mental bien-être and I feel rejuvenated.
I have also met some great guys who share my passion.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
Grade 2 quad tear five minutes into first game!
This was due to inadequate stretching, not being fit enough and trying to run (not literally!) before I could walk.
A couple of cracked ribs from a collision.
Strained knee ligaments not from any specific incident.
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 and yes. Personal safety is at the core of our club.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
Yes.
I meet a number of fellow players when we watch our local team (Aldershot Town); I bump into colleagues round and about; we have a great time on overseas tours.
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 we have had several events and have made donations to local overseas charities at all our European tournaments.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Winning my first cup for 36 years is the highlight.
Imitating Cinderella for a number of penalties is the worst.
In truth there haven’t been any bad moments only the odd disappointment that my body is 40 years older than my brain…
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
It has given an additional sense of purpose and an alternate view on playing where winning is not everything.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
No single factor but a consolidation of all I have noted above.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
In some competitions there are the odd individuals who fail to understand the ethos of Walking Football and how there is more to it than winning.
At our club it is highly competitive but in a friendly spirit where we all recognise that the competitive spirit needs to be tempered.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
Yes, I believe this is a common issue.
We have a referee and the guys realise that he is there to help avoid running and thus avoid penalisation in completions – this is to everyone’s benefit.
So listen to the referee, accept comments/criticism made that you are running and try and always keep one foot on the ground at all times.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
To keep on playing for a few more years and to keep enjoying it as much as I do now.
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?
Go for it – you have nothing to lose and much to gain.
A club like ours, which has circa 100 players on the books, still warmly welcomes new arrivals.
They almost all come back!
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
There is a very mixed reaction.
Some think I am mad, too old and will get badly injured; others think it is a great idea, particularly those who know something about it or have actually watched it live.
Many see how enthused I am and how much of a buzz I get from participating.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for footwear, kit and weekly session fees?
Minimal.
Initial outlay on boots, shin pads and goalkeepers gloves then only maintenance of kit.
Sessions cost £3.50.
We run a number of overseas European tours and these compare financially favourably with a package holiday tour.
Anything else you’d like to share?
It is easy to prejudge Walking Football.
Frankly, I thought it would be a breeze and populated by “old geezers”.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
There is much footage on the web (e.g. You Tube) but much of this gives a false impression of the real game.
If run properly, it gives the opportunity for senior guys to get out here and play the game they love in a safe and low risk environment, to have enormous fun and recapture a bit of their youth.
Try it – you will love it.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
