'It changed my life' - Players Share Why You Should Try Walking Football
WF4W asked what advice you would give to any woman thinking about going to a walking football session but felt nervous that she was too old, too unfit, or because she had never played before. Your response was overwhelming. Women and men in the walking football world shared their experiences as players and coaches to encourage new players into the game.
(Facebook user names attributed to quotes)
'Banter and friendships'
By far and away, the most talked about positive aspect of joining a team were the social connections and friendships made.
Give it a go, there’s new friendships, new connections and good times just around the corner.. do it! Tracy O'Hara
I would say, try it, you never know you might love it & you’ve got nothing to lose. I joined to make new friends & I’ve definitely done that! Over the past year we have all grown as players, improving our skills and we have had some great laughs along the way.
I’d say some nerves are totally normal. Especially going to somewhere for the first time and trying something new. I was the same last year. But the group/ team of ladies I met have been so welcoming, supportive and encouraging. It’s the best thing I have done. So I’d say give it a go, you’ve got nothing to lose and the possibilities you’ll gain are endless.
Givens Ke
Just do it. You find that everyone there had the trepidation but now enjoy not just the game hut also the banter and friendships that develop Barry John Davis
I would say, just go for it, come along and try it, it's a great fun way to get fit and make new friends. Where Is Bonnie
Definitely do it. It’s given me friends, a sense of community, fitness and a desire to improve myself. Kate Walton
Football really is the people's game. Go and visit a club watch what they do and how they play. You will get a feeling if it's right for you. Take your own ball too. And if anyone asks, tell them you fetched your own in case nobody wants to pass to you. They will love the banter! Jan Milner
'Life changing'
For some of you, taking up walking football has transformed your whole life – offering fun, fitness and even a change in career.
It changed my life when I joined a local walking football team at age 55, within minutes I knew I’d found my tribe (there were other older women like me who loved football, loved to chase & shout after the ball). Playing and mixing with other like minded women has actually lead me to a new career with LFC Foundation. I now coach & coordinate walking football teams for a living. Best decision of my life 2 years ago, please don’t dilly dally…
Join your local walking football team now!! Beverley Phillips
I'd tell her it can be intimidating to start with and I totally understand! I began playing at age 60 having not played football at all; I didn't know the rules or even how to pass a ball. I couldn't stop a football either. I had zero power, was baffled by the terminology people were using, had almost no control of what I was doing and certainly none of the ball. Plus, the speed question confused me because nobody appeared to be walking. However, I found a pal in walking football, and then another, and soon I was learning so fast I couldn't wait for practice. I now play weekly with men and women at three different clubs; I've taken a referee course and regularly ref club sessions. Many of us are here specifically for meeting new people, playing the game for fun and fitness, and are only too happy to encourage a new player. Marti Leimbach
My experience is very much the same as Marti Leimbach. I joined a local group. I tell people we are a very social group of all ages and abilities. Come along and take a look. You will be made very welcome. Judy Yoxall
You can watch as many games/videos as you like and know every rule in the book, but you’ll never truly understand the magic of football until you’ve stood on that pitch yourself. It’s the connection with the people around you, the shared laughter, the excitement and the feeling of being part of something. Some things simply can’t be explained — they have to be experienced. Shirley Ann Bees Luis
You need to get there and just try your hardest. It is not about how good you are it is all about taking part. I have two ladies who never played football and are now getting better with one of them getting into the England squad. So get out there and enjoy and if you are ever in South Wales then please come along to one of our sessions in Penybont FC. Rob Roy
'Find a team that is right for you'
Although a few people expressed concerns that some teams were favouring competitive tournaments and younger players, the advice was to find the best team for you. What’s the right fit for one woman starting out in walking football will not suit another. But with the growing popularity of the sport, there will hopefully be a team out there where you will feel at home.
Just do it!!
I have joined loads of things over the years….sometimes knowing what I’m doing and sometimes doing something totally new… and it ALWAYS feel like it’s going to be awkward/embarrassing but it never is as bad as I fear. I was nearly 60 and went to a (running) football session where NO-ONE was older than 18 the first week! But I was humbled & happy by how chilled they were about me joining.
Just tell yourself in advance “some of this might feel awkward but that’s just how it is and it will pass”. And tell yourself if it still feels awkward after 3 goes… then say to yourself “maybe it’s not quite the right bunch of people for me, I’ll see what another team is like”
Anna Murray
Look for a welcoming environment. If you’re a beginner, try to find a session where all abilities are welcome. Ask questions about how things run. Is it all about making the cut into the team, or are there opportunities to just play?
It’s difficult in some areas where younger women are now dominating things. Many have played football before. Older women may not have played before and unless there are enough players to make age-based teams, it’s hard to compete when you’re late fifties with 40 year olds.
Ask if the club is supportive to running teams at all age groups, and for those who just want to play for fun and fitness. Samantha Hibbs
I think some clubs have now got competition sides and those out simply to play and join socially. A rather nice mix. My advice to WF4W is to try out a few clubs. It maybe the first one is just right, but if not find another. This is easier in urban areas, less easy in rural communities. Nigel Williams
Just find a team that is right for you. Ignore comments about teams being “ hijacked” because there is room for everyone. As the sport continues to grow so do the opportunities for everyone to be involved.
Mostly, remember that everyone thought the same before they started. Good standard players will worry and so will complete beginners. Wherever you play you will find a group of older women who will become your friends and support network. Ali Crick
Go along. Good coaches will have a word with players and ease you into the sport, giving you time and space to get used to the sport and make decisions. It should be about getting out, getting fitter and having fun. Chris Davey
So there you have it. Whether you played 11-a-side or have never played before, the advice from those already in the game is
Go for it!
It’s a great way to make friends.
It helps with fitness and for some it can be life-changing.
If the team doesn’t fit your ethos, then try another team.
More and more opportunities are opening up for women in walking football – there are now tournaments for O50s and O60s, teams for those with disabilities or life-long conditions. Many teams offer competitive football but there are also teams that arrange a regular kick around and social events. There are also mixed teams and women only teams.
As the game grows, hopefully, so will the opportunities for women in walking football.
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