How long have you played Walking Football?
18 Months.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
Primarily to get fitter, but missed the banter/good times with old mates.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
One.
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 only.
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?
Think it’s our own set of rules/laws???
Only rules I’ve played.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age? As my above comments really…
I like the competitiveness, and also the enjoyment I get from playing again.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
Warm up properly, don’t be over-zealous in tackling. (Never was anyway!!!)
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
Played in the Italian tournament in April 2017.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
Just more careful in what I eat, and cutting down on alcohol during the week.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
Yes I do feel fitter & healthier. I have lost almost 21 lbs in weight!!!!
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
When I first started I pulled a thigh muscle, through not warming up properly!!!
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?
Most certainly.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
Not really, I have always been sociable sort of chap!
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 always donate abroad whilst on tour.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Best is winning the tournament in Italy this year.
Worst is getting injured!
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
Making people aware it exists.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
Being able to kick the ball again after a long lay-off.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
Nothing.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
Never been a problem for me.
Everybody is different though, so hard to give any advice.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
To keep playing it as long 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?
Just go along, everybody is so friendly.
What can you lose?
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
Some have ‘taken the mickey’, but most are really glad that I’m doing some sort of physical exercise.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
You need decent footwear if playing on a 4G pitch, therefore I have invested in a pair of boots that cost around £80.00.
But each of our sessions are £3.50 / session.
Anything else you’d like to share?
As mentioned previously, ”what have you got to lose?”
By giving it a go you will deffo become more healthy, and you can meet up with old friends, and make some new ones!!
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
