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?
I have played football as a youth, played for Felixstowe, as a junior, senior, became secretary then treasurer. When I finished in these rolls I took up road running and competed in half and full marathons. In my 60’s I played five a side for my Company and still kept up my jogging.
Walking Football came to Felixstowe via Brackenbury Sports Centre, people and places for the over 50’s which I joined 4 years ago. It was run by the Sports Centre themselves, but the person running it on a Thursday night left and we were then left to our own devices so I basically took up the warm up exercises and referring the games.
How long have you been involved with the running / management of the club?
I decided two years ago, that a large number of the players were infact over 60 and some in their 70’s including myself. So I decided to start up a session on a Tuesday afternoons for the over 60’s. We started with about six people turning up of which two were ladies, now some two years on I have over 20 plus members and some 6 ladies.
Why did you first get involved with helping run your Walking Football club?
To keep fit and of course I loved my football.
When was your Walking Club formed?
June 2016 for the over 60’s the over 50’s was November 2015, but not set up by me.
How many hours per week do you spend on club related matters?
Three hours.
Is your club funded in any way and if so, how did you achieve securing these revenue streams?
No funding and we have to pay the Sports Centre to play.
Does your club follow rules of the game created by any official body / association? If the answer is yes, why did you decide to follow those association rules?
Yes basically because I had no idea on the rules until in read about them on line.
How many regular players attend each session and how quickly have numbers grown since the club was formed?
I have between 14 to 18 player per week and they have grown from 6 players when I started to-over 20 now.
If your club plays a competitive game, rather than one of the weekly Walking Football fitness sessions, do you see any change of attitude in respect of competitiveness in the players?
We do not play competitive games only a fitness session, as no teams near us.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if so in which ways?
Yes a lot fitter and stronger.
Have you had any injuries playing and if so what were they?
Yes I had a bad injury about two years ago a fractured shin.
Do you always have a club member present who has had first aid training at your games and training sessions?
Yes we have players with first aid training but the Sports Centre have qualified first aid people.
Has your social life changed since you became involved with Walking Football, and if so in which ways?
Yes I have met over 20 people whilst playing and we have all become friends, we hold get together for lunch or dinners at least twice per year.
If you could sum up the benefits or enjoyment Walking Football brings you with a single quote, what would that quote be?
It brings people together and you make new friends.
What are your best and worst Walking Football memories?
My best memories are starting up the over 60’s and seeing it grow.
Worst memories are when players get injured, as we have to play on a concrete surface, so we are all very careful.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
Just making new friends and getting fit and enjoying life.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
Getting together each week and watching my members enjoy themselves.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
Having to play on a concrete surface. Who would think that a Sports Centre would only have a concrete playing surface.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
Yes it is difficult not to run, but as I take the sessions and most ref, I try and stress not to run.
What are your goals for the future regarding your Walking Football club?
To try and obtain in Felixstowe a artificial playing surface to make it safe for my players and to keep growing.
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 along give it a go and you will find that you are welcome and after a few games you will enjoy the comradeship and fun.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
They all think it is good, it keeps me fit and gives me something to look forward to each week.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play / run your Walking Football club?
My players have to pay to the Sports Centre £3.00 per player per week.
Anything else you’d like to share?
To anyone thinking of giving it a go, just do it.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
