How long have you played Walking Football?
4 Years and 3 months.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
To keep fit, and I relished the chance of continuing to play a game I love.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
Twice a week.
Monday and Friday mornings plus tournaments, challenge matches, exhibition games and soon to compete in a league.
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?
Sessions are for over 50s male only.
We are not opposed to female or unisex teams but believe our single sex version is safer.
In competition we normally field over 50 years and over 65 years teams.
Usually squads of 10 to allow for subs. Games are 6- a- side.
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 contributed to drafting the rules for the local FA and although we play to our own rules they are broadly similar to the FA.
In local competition we adhere to the local FA rules (Hampshire) but would not compete if the local rules varied in principle from our own, which afford the highest level of safety for older players and are well organised at all levels.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
You never lose the thrill of scoring a goal.
The social side is also very important for the well-being of the players and in particular our tours abroad which present opportunities for bonding and friendship.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
The warm up is essential, as is the three touch rule, and no strong physicality / tackling.
The fact that our coach, Mick Quinn is a qualified Sports Therapist is also a great benefit.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
European Masters in Italy (twice) and Portugal (Twice).
These tournaments are arranged by our coach Mick Quinn and teams are invited from the UK and the rest of Europe.
Next year we are competing for the first time in Spain.
Other tournaments arranged by Hampshire FA (We were awarded the Grassroots Club award a few seasons ago.) and other Walking Football Clubs e.g. Uxbridge Amblers, Chipstead.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
I am more aware of managing my weight and am currently doing the 5/2 diet.
Since joining CRAP I have lost almost 2 stone.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
See above. The weight loss eases pressure on my knees and the sessions provide good cardio-vascular exercise.
I also believe the camaraderie and social context is beneficial to my mental health and sense of well- being.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
I have been fortunate in that I have not suffered any injuries other than to my pride when I miss sitters!
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, the coach is a fully qualified Sports Therapist and I have recently qualified myself as a first aider.
A defibrillator is available at every session at pitch – side.
Player safety is our top priority.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
The main change socially has been widening my circle of friends; through meeting other players for coffee after training, sharing medical problems, reminiscing about “the good old days”, and travelling abroad together.
I have been to events such as Premiership games, fund raising events and Quizzes with other team members.
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?
When we play abroad we always make a generous donation to a local charity.
This year in Italy we donated to a Children’s Charity.
Birthdays are celebrated in the club house regularly.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Taking part in the Barclays ad.
Which involved a full day of filming.
Losing on goal difference in the over 65s section in our last Italian tournament.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
My wife is not always happy washing my kit.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
The Camaraderie, and competition.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
When I don’t score, which is too often.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
Not usually.
Don’t overstretch particularly when you start to play W.F. always keep one foot on the ground and don’t chase balls you would have had a job to get in your twenties.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
Score more regularly and keep participating in all the competitive tournaments particularly those abroad.
Nutmeg Mick Quinn.
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 come along and observe a session you will be made very welcome.
Do not worry about your level of ability just give it a go, you will not regret it.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
They publicly say I am mad, but are secretly pleased I am keeping active and enjoying myself.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
Boots – £20-£30, shin pads £5 ,kit £25 , £3 per session. (The club provides a track suit and sports shirt for trips abroad.)
Training bibs are provided at sessions so football shirts are not necessary but most players already possess old team shirts or a tee shirt.
I ask for gear as Xmas presents from family so a full Man United kit has cost me nothing!
Anything else you’d like to share?
I would recommend Walking Football to anyone interested.
However be sure it is in a properly organised club with a high priority on the safety of members.
Ad hoc impromptu games particularly with a mix of younger and much older participants is not advisable.
Check with your G.P. if you have health problems which may be affected.
Author: The Walking Football
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