How long have you played Walking Football?
Been playing walking football around 3 years.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
I wanted to still be involved in any type of football but found it hard to find teams that would take an old fart like me.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
I play around 3 times a week.
The usual age group I playing is around late 40’s to late 70s ,Sometimes there a female players.
When you play a game of Walking Football do you play to the WFA / WFU or FA rules and why did your club decide to follow those rules of the game?
I play to the standard walking football rules.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
I do get a real “Buzz” out of playing especially as I have got older.
It’s a great way of getting exercise without the boring bits and I would say that it is just as mentally stimulating as physically.
The guys I play with at Barnet, are a great bunch and we all seem to get on well.
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
To try and avoid any potential injuries I try to warm up and do some stretching exercises.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
Bringing out the competitive spirit in me in the EFL cup and various local tournaments.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
I doubt if my diet habits have changed too much although I am aware of it.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
I certainly feel fitter both physically and mentally since playing and try not to miss any opportunity to play.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
The only injuries I have had are pulling muscles in the rear of both legs which might have been down to a bicycle ride I had made to Paris in the summer and playing within days of the ride.
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?
Our sessions are run by the Hive Trust an arm of Barnet FC, we have a first aider present snd all the medical back up available at a football league ground.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?#
My social life is usually good but the football has certainly added to it.
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 try to hold a major charity function at least once a season the last being for Age UK Harrow and in between we raise money in smaller events for Macmillan cancer nurses and Dementia uk cup cake day.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
The best “bits” in playing walking football is the fun we all have whether its in a competition or just a friendly kickabout.
The usual laughs and banter that a large social group has. I really can’t think of the worst bits.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
At the moment I don’t find it difficult to run other than the fact I get pulled up for it often which I am sure will change over the years.
It’s certainly a contrast to when I would play conventional football and everyone would say I was too slow.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
I would like to carry on playing as long as possible.
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?
I would advise anyone to try and play if they can and not to feel nervous as people are very supportive.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
Everyone I know has been positive in regards to my playing.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
The Hive sessions are £3 , Friday 2-3pm plus a coffee afterwards.
Anything else you’d like to share?
All in all a great adventure.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
