How long have you played Walking Football?
5 months.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
I always wanted to play football again but it was a dream.
There was nothing near where I lived, so I made a poster advertising Biggar Walking Football, requested people interested to contact me.
I opened a page on Facebook, also asked if I could advertise on a local Facebook page, names trickled in, I then contacted my local MP who was the minister for sports, she got me a contact, who got me more contacts.
I did an interview it was put in the local newspaper, then the names came in once I reached 10 names, I held a meeting I discussed the idea with them, I then got access to the local astro turf and a ball, took them on it we kicked the ball about, they proposed we start playing the following week, Biggar Walking Football group was born.
As we played we grew, more people came now I have a list of 24 people 5 of whom are female ages range from 40 to mid 70’s, it is ‘Field Of Dreams” build it and people will come.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
we now play twice a week.
Monday 8pm-9pm indoors Wednesday 6.30pm-7.30pm outdoors on astro turf.
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?
Male over 45 female over 40, mixed group ages and sex.
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 of the game?
We play basic rules No Running No Tackling, I try to keep it as much fun as I can.
If we ever move forward to comp’s, then obviously we would comply to structure and rules.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
I was always wanting to have a kick at a ball, I really missed that special feeling, the physical contact of getting a touch on the ball, then shooting for goal and hitting the net, or making a good pass, just being on a pitch playing a game that i’ve loved all my life, a game I never thought I would play again, here I am 68 yrs of age, and getting my footie kit on and footie boots, footballs and out to play, it is exciting looking forward to the game, seeing the other players turning up and walking over to the pitch, that feeling of game on, we’re up for a fun hour.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
It is important to do a warm up, also wear supports for knees, ankles or wherever needed.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
None so far, it’s just been the group enjoying a fun session.
I have sent feelers out to other local groups which I have just discovered. so we’ll see where that leads.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
LOL I’m like ‘Tuff of the track’.
Fish a chips after the session.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
I feel fitter, though my legs get stiff after playing, I have arthritis in both knees, but that doesn’t stop me enjoying a game I love, I also get a couple of rounds of golf in during the week.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
Strains and sprains, caused through forgetting exactly how old I am, and trying to play like a 16 yr old again, overstretching for the ball, trying to turn and shoot as fast as I did before when I was young and able, but my body was having none of it, though my mind was up for it, but no matter what I was back playing, 10 minutes into the game, the discomfort of your injuries vanish, as you’re lost in the game again.
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 use the local Biggar High school sports complex, they have first aiders on tap. Difibrillator etc.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
Most definitely, I was basically a recluse, I live alone, didn’t know a lot of people but now my life is very active, running the group booking game times, washing bibs, looking after petty cash etc. as well as my golf.
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?
We pay £2 per head at each session to cover pitch costs, also match balls and first aid kit, bibs. there is a surplus of money which is adding up, we have decided this will go to a local charity at Christmas, and every 3 months we will donate to another charity and so on.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Scoring some wonder goals, then missing some sitters, best memory would be finding walking football then getting it started up in my area, it was a selfish act, I wanted a game, I needed like minded people, I found them and now we who were once strangers, are now friends playing Walking Football together.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
It has given me a new lease of life, something that I really look forward too, something I love and have many a laugh during the game.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
The camaraderie, the laughs, the enjoyment, the being a wee boy again for an hour kicking a ball about.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
When it becomes time to finish the game and head home, or if the weather is bad and game is cancelled, because we can’t access the outdoors astro pitch, these are not dislikes as such more disappointments.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
Not running lol, at first it was difficult, as natural instincts are to run onto a pass, which is hit a yard or so in front of you, or pass and run, we had to learn the importance of ball to feet passing, remove urge to run, skills once again returned, people got fitter, felt healthier, had a laugh. slowed down.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
To see how far I can take this group, to see how long I can go on playing, as a group will we aim to play in competitions / tournaments? this is still on the back burner, we will see.
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?
Don’t be afraid about how skillful you may or may not be, get out there kick the ball, the minute you walk onto the pitch you’re a winner, it takes time to get to grips with the game, everyone who played their first game went through the same experiences and will help you settle in.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
My now friends, are those I play Walking Football with, they are glad I started the ball rolling so to say.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
£2 per head per session We were donated a set of bibs and two outdoor match balls by a local business woman, I purchased 2 indoors match balls and first aid kit.
Anything else you’d like to share?
To anyone thinking about taking part in Walking Football, stop thinking start doing you will never regret it.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
