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 run a bit and done several half marathons in the distant past but kept playing badminton from about the age of 28 and still do. I played football at school but was not very good due to a lack of confidence.
How long have you played Walking Football?
Approximately 18 months.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
A friend of mine suggested it to me.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
Once.
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?
The one I participate in is for all ages and sexes and we do have one lady who is a regular. In school holidays we also get the grandsons and occasional granddaughters of members who play.
When you play a game of Walking Football do you play to the WFA, WFS, WFU or FA rules and why did your club decide to follow those rules of the game?
FA as I think most tournaments require this.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
Having played badminton most of my life I find the difference in playing a team game immeasurable and difficult at first but it has shown me how complicated the game is and to be more sympathetic in my opinion when watching football on the TV.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
Warm up and stretch and wear shin pads.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
The Somerset League, and we are playing next Thursday in The Somerset over 50’s FA walking football tournament at Street in Somerset
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
No change at all.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
I have ached a lot more but have got used to it now and it has made my reactions at badminton sharper.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
Concussion due to hitting my head on the floor in an indoor match after a vigorous tackle and a very sore calf muscle (muscle haemotoma) after being kicked on it.
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 but not aware of a defibrillator, I assume there is one somewhere as we play at a sports centre.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
We now have a FB page and I am in touch with most of the team on a regular basis. I have also roped in a couple of neighbours as well.
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?
Not yet as we are a recently formed team but there has been talk of it.
If you could sum up the benefits or enjoyment Walking Football brings you with a single quote, what would that quote be?
A team game is a very important invaluable life lesson.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Best memory was winning the very first tournament we played in, worst memory is being sent off in a tournament for 2 yellow card offences!
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
I appreciate the different characters in the team and that even though it is a team you can’t like everybody!
What do you like most about Walking Football?
The camaraderie.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
When one particular player moans about a mislaid pass when he himself is no better at times.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
That is the biggest bugbear in Walking Football and you have to find your own pace.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
To be able to control the ball better and learn to dribble.
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?
It is great fun and extremely enjoyable and doesn’t matter how good or bad you are as I was useless at school but have surprised myself in what I have achieved.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
Younger people who haven’t tried it adopt a smirky sort of posture but in general they are extremely supportive.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
Club shirt £15, I already had my own shorts. Trainers at first but then bought a cheap pair of 3g boots at £28 to see how I got on. Fees £3.50 per session.
Anything else you’d like to share?
It is exhilarating and not the easy soft kickabout you expect as others sometimes assume and I love it.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
