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 always been involved in sport playing football, Golf, Cricket, squash,I had not played football for at least 35 yrs,until I discovered Walking Football.
How long have you played Walking Football?
I have been playing three years.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
I play in 3 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?
Our age groups would be from 50 s upward.
We do havean under 65 group on a Tuesday and an over 65 on the same day at King St Denton home of the Tameside Striders.
We also run a mixed gender session on a Thursday this session encourages ladies and gents who arenot in the best of condition although there’s some good old playersturn up also.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
The buzz for football had long gone to be honest but Walking Football gives that buzz once again.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
At all our sessions we insist everyone does a 5/10 min warm up.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
I have played competitively at Heywood in the Gt Manchester league, these type of games are played more competitively and some players stay away from this kind of format.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
I have not changed my diet I still eat well.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
I have lost weight sinceplaying and do feel much healthier.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
I did have a couple of injuries whenI first started pulling a muscle but the more I played the fitter Ihave got the injuries get less touch wood.
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 do have a first aider present at both venues Denton & Ashton,there’s a Defibrillator at both also.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
We do have a nice social side to our Walking Football groups having a night out with our wife’s going for a meal once a month.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
I don’t have any bad memories from playing.
I and many more like me think we are very lucky to be able to turn up and play the game.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
The games changed my life making new friends and socialising with them.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
What I like about Walking Football is the fact I can still play this kind of format I also like playing with a great group of people we have in our sessions who have become friends.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
what goals for the future I think I would speak for plenty of players in that we just look to the next game this Walking football is a bonus for all of us.
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?
My advice to anyone who’s thinking of having a game would be go and watch your local Walking Football team this games not all about how good a player you still areit’s about keeping fit whilst enjoying yourself.
There a players at our sessions with different levels of abilities but no one who can play looks down at them like they should not be there we at our club welcome everyone.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
My family are pleased that I’m still trying to keep myself fit
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
I bought my first pair of Astro turf trainers for £25 a pair of shorts were a £10 socks £5.we pay £3 at Denton for two hours a cup of tea after the game included, at Ashton the one hour session cost £2 and a cup of tea after.
Author: The Walking Football
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