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 am Originally from County Durham. Before the age of 29 I played 11-a-side 7-a-side and 5-a-side football weekly, I was a competitive Ballroom and Latin dancer and I played Baseball for County Durham.
I moved to Dorset in November 2016 and my plan was to do all my hobbies down here but unfortunately in February 2017 I was diagnosed with MS. It took me until May 2019 to find my feet and join Swanage Walking Football Club.
How long have you played Walking Football?
I have played for 8 months now.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
After falling ill I struggled with my mind as well as my body, going from being a really active person to doing nothing was a hard thing to take and I was feeling really down. Eventually I found walking football thanks to my Mam up North seeing a Facebook post.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
I try to take part in 2 sessions a week.
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?
Tuesday Mornings is mixed, Tuesday evenings is Women only and Thursday evenings is Men only.
Women’s is 18+
Men’s has a over 50s team and an over 60s team but disabled people under that age are also allowed. Age groups are only for the League when we practice we all mix together.
When you play a game of Walking Football do you play to the WFA, WFS or FA rules and why did your club decide to follow those rules of the game?
FA rules I believe.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
Being part of a team again has made me feel a lot happier within myself and given me a chance to meet new people. I am much younger than most but everyone makes me feel very welcome and I can call them all friends.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
A good warm up/cool down and sticking to the rules should keep you out of trouble.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
Yes I played for the over 50’s in the Bobby Moore charity cup in the summer and now play for the over 60’s in the Dorset walking football league.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
No I haven’t changed anything.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
I do feel happier so it has given me a healthier mind frame but it does take a lot out of me physically everytime i play which leaves me poorly for a day or so afterwards.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
As a goalkeeper I get a lot of bruises from diving around plus being on blood thinners doesn’t help with that. Blocking the ball also gets me a ball in the face and a few bumps every now and 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?
Yes we always have a first aid trained person on site for home, away and training. I believe there is a defibrillator and the coastguard station across the car park from our home ground.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
Yes I have a new set of friends from the team. We all get along and are always having a laugh on our message board.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Best memories – Winning all 6 of our matches so far this season and watching the over 50’s winning both of there games. Also winning 2019 Men’s player of the year.
Worst memory was scoring a own goal in the last few seconds to lose one of our games in the Bobby Moore cup.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
It has brought my competitive side back out which I love.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
I think it has to be working as a team. We are a tight group and when things aren’t going our way we are good at pulling it together and turning things around.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
Losing ?
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
I cant even manage to walk for long periods that’s why I play in goal so it hasn’t really bothered me.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
I would like to carry playing for Swanage as long as possible. But I would like to help push the fact that walking football isn’t just for older people. Disabled people have the same right to play it and I think people forget that. I get excluded from tournaments because of my age but yet the Dorset football League allows 2 disability players in each a squad for the over 50’s and 60’s and when the over 60’s get invited somewhere I would like that to include me as I am part of that team.
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 give it a shot. You will never know unless you try it and if its not for you then you don’t do it again but at least you can say you tried it.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
They are very happy I am playing football again.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
First session is free then £3 per session after that. You need to buy own foot ware, shin pads and training gear but if you play in the League your strips will be supplied.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Again I would just like to say that Walking football isn’t just for older people. As a young disabled person I found it hard to come to terms with my illness and I believe that walking football and the people in and around it have made me feel much better about myself. I have seen others in the same boat as me and I believe every team should push that people like me are welcome.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
