Player Story: Michelle Lee

Liverpool Feds player, Michelle Lee, discusses how injury abruptly ended her 11-a-side playing days with the physical and emotional impact that brought. Read how friends convinced her to try walking football, her amazing success and her advice for those considering taking up the game.

Michelle Lee of Liverpool Feds Walking Football Club

Returning to playing walking football after injury is something most walking football players have experienced. Michelle Lee, current Liverpool Feds and England over-50s player, played for Arsenal in the late 1980s to early 1990s before a serious injury ended her career. Michelle explains: "Not being able to play hit me hard emotionally, I effectively turned my back on the game and didn't even keep in touch with team-mates. Having not kicked a ball for 25 years I was introduced to walking football. I now play for Liverpool Feds.....never did I think I would kick a ball again never mind have a pathway to a World Cup. I've been involved with England for two years and it's brought me so much more than playing a sport I love. It's given me the same support network you get when playing in a team. Being a woman of a certain age and dealing with the menopause also makes this a great space to talk and connect with others.”

Walking football is for every woman

whatever your level of skill or previous experience, as Michelle says: “The walking football community does have a pathway to represent your country, through regional to international, but is also there for people who want to get out, meet new people and have a go."

Michelle Lee playing walking football

Michelle has found that the game she now loves is very inclusive with new opportunities and teams developing all the time. 

“There is a Kicking Cancer team and a Parkinson's team, so people can now get out and play the game they thought had long since left them behind. It gives them a sense of hope, purpose and passion which is sometimes all that's needed." 

It can be incredibly difficult returning to a sport after a long absence but Michelle has one piece of advice for anyone thinking about it:

“I would urge others to get their boots back on!"

And no wonder Michelle offers this suggestion considering all the positivity walking football has brought to her life and all she has achieved so far in the game. 

Find out more about Michelle's team by clicking on the badge blow. If, like Michelle, you've missed the camaraderie of team sports why not take her advice and look for your local club via the WFA link?