How long have you played Walking Football?
A couple of months.
Why did you choose Walking Football when your doctor advised you to take up exercise?
I was diagnosed in September 2015 with myeloma (a blood cancer) after being admitted to hospital while on holiday in Majorca with angina.
Doctors discovered cancer purely by chance.
Luckily, other than anaemia, I have not suffered any symptoms and condition is currently in remission.
I have four stents due to angina.
I am very sorry to hear that you are currently living with cancer. Can you explain to our readers who may be in the same situation, what, if any, are the negative impacts cancer has on you during a fitness session or playing a game of Walking Football?
I don’t find any negative impacts to be honest; improves both my mental and physical well-being.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
As many as I can, probably on average twice a week depending on what my full-time job allows as I do a lot of international travel.
Do you always have a member present who has had first aid training at your games and training sessions, and is there a defibrillator available if needed?
Yes, me!
I spent twenty three years in various ambulance services around the UK, from paramedic to CEO.
I also worked for the British Red Cross.
I am first aid trained and the last seventeen years I have worked as the international clinical specialist for a defibrillator manufacturer.
I always have my automated external defibrillator (AED) with me as the risk is higher for the players in our age range. All WF clubs should have a defibrillator available.
What do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury and do you need to take any additional safety precautions due to your medical condition?
Always a few stretches and a good warm up.
Recently our coach has started a half hour training session prior to us playing in our weekly session.
As mentioned above, I am not suffering any symptoms currently so I just make sure I pace myself.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and how else has Walking Football helped you on a day to day basis?
Definitely.
I have lost some weight and feel a bit fitter from playing.
Also improves mental well-being as mentioned before.
Also have made some good friends through the sport.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
We have a Xmas event planned and there is also an element of socialising at the end of each session.
If you had not got involved with, and play, Walking Football how do you think your life would be different?
Previously I wasn’t really doing any exercise so playing WF has helped motivate me to do this.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again?
It is great, especially scoring goals!
Being in my mid 60’s I am nowhere fit enough to play normal football so WF is great it allowing me to still play.
Have you played competitive Walking Football and, if so, in which tournaments / leagues?
I am playing my first competitive league game tomorrow for Stenhousemuir in the National League up here in Scotland.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
Certainly I have stopped eating so much sweet stuff.
I had a rather sweet tooth for chocolate previously.
Have you had any injuries playing and if so what were they?
Not so far, touch wood!
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Getting a friendly welcome from the lads at Alloa and playing in my first session.
Probably getting beat 10-1 recently and not getting a sniff of the ball!
What do you like most about Walking Football?
The camaraderie, and just playing a game I love.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
Playing in windy and wet weather.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
In the first couple of sessions I did find it difficult.
However, once you adapt it becomes easier to remember to walk.
I think the hardest thing is thinking where to put the ball when you pass as your team mate is walking to get it rather than running.
#What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
Play as often as I can and get involved in more competitive matches i.e. leagues and tournaments.
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?
‘Bite the Bullet!’ Get along to a session.
I was nervous at first but the guys at Alloa/Tullibody were very welcoming.
What do your friends and family think about you playing Walking Football?
They are pleased I am getting some fresh air and exercise.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for footwear, kit and weekly session fees?
Session fees are £3 a go.
I have probably spent about £50 on kit.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Although I have lived in Scotland for the past 29 years, I am English and originally from Exmouth in Devon so the fact there are national WF teams is very interesting and maybe something to aspire to, especially now as a professional management team has been appointed.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
