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 played a range of sports all my life, particularly football, squash, table tennis, and latterly golf. As the ageing process started to take hold my sport participation dwindled to playing occasional rounds of golf or watching it on TV/occasionally live games following my lifelong support of Newcastle United. Apart from the occasional round of golf (maybe 1 or 2 rounds per year) I hadn’t played any sport for probably 12 years before I found out about Walking Football.
How long have you played Walking Football?
I’ve been playing walking football regularly now for almost 12 months.
Why did you first get involved with Walking Football?
I love football and have played and captained many teams including University, my RAF base team etc so when I found out about walking football I was eager to see if I could still play and now love the sport.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
I play two sessions per week and also any competitions that I can – e.g. The Peoples Cup coming up later this month.
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 local sessions cater for anyone over the age of 50, male or female, although at the venues I play at only males turn up. Teams are made up on the night and we regularly have a range of players from 50 right through to 68.
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?
I’m not sure whose rules we follow.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again at your age?
The opportunity to play ‘competitive’ sport again at my age is fantastic and I feel as excited now during play as I ever did when younger. The mental and physical stimulation this sport has given me back is priceless
What one or two things do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury?
Always warming up and cooling down.
Have you played competitive Walking Football, if so which tournaments / leagues?
I have only managed to play in two competitions so far, one in Swindon and one in Bath, but I am looking forward to playing in the People’s Cup later this month. I would dearly like to be part of our club’s over 60’s league team but they play their fixtures on days that I work so I can’t just yet.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
I’m probably eating less processed meat since I started playing.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and if please describe how?
I am definitely fitter and healthier since I started playing Walking Football. The two sessions I play in are 90 minutes long and I am always surprised at how much the heart rate increases even ‘just’ playing walking football. This has also inspired me to join a local gym to increase my cardiovascular fitness and muscle fitness and flexibility even more.
Can you describe any injuries you have suffered when playing Walking Football and can you let the readers know how they were caused?
Fortunately I have only suffered one injury whilst playing walking football and that happened in the first minute of the first tournament I played in. I over stretched for a ball and tore a muscle (part of the Quadriceps group) in the top of my thigh. This also tore a superficial nerve so I now have a numb patch over the front of my thigh, but this only stopped me playing for about 4 weeks and I’m now back playing fully.
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.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
My social life has changed only moderately in that I sometimes meet up with ‘new friends’ from football at the local pub.
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?
Wiltshire Walking Football Club has a great organiser in Tony Norton and we get regular emails and notices of events upcoming. The club has its annual Christmas Party and trophy celebrations and enters European tournaments (which is also a chance for spouses to attend), although I haven’t taken advantage of these yet.
If you could sum up the benefits or enjoyment Walking Football brings you with a single quote, what would that quote be?
To realise that anyone of any ability can enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of taking part in a physical team activity and realize that you are never too old.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
Worst memories are getting my injury and having to stop playing for a month. The rest of it is my best memory.
How else has playing Walking Football affected your life?
Generally feeling healthier.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
The enjoyment of being able to play football again.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
When people interpret ‘walking’ differently.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
I personally don’t find it difficult not to run – unless someone on the opposition is blatantly running. My advice would be just slow down, make sure your heel strikes the ground first on each stride and always have one foot in contact with the ground at all times
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
Joining the England or (as I had an Irish Grandmother) Ireland Walking Football over 65’s squad .
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 do it! I found all of the guys I now call my friends are very friendly and supportive and even those who are ultra competitive there is no judgement of ability. It is a tremendous social gathering.
What do your friends and family think about you playing a sport again at your age?
They think it is great.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for foot ware, kit and weekly session fees?
Costs are minimal. Cheap footwear, shorts and tee shirt (we use coloured bibs provided by the club when playing). Sessions are £3 per session and club membership I think is £10 per year.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone to take up the sport. It has given me a new lease of life.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
