What do I need for my first walking football session?

You’ve found a local walking football team, made a note of the training times and venue and as the day approaches you might start to wonder what you will need to take along with you.

Usually the answer is very little. As many walking football teams play on an artificial pitch, it is best to contact the coach/manager to see what type of footwear is permitted. This will usually be boots made specifically for artificial 2G, 3G or 4G pitches. However, the person you contact at the club, might be able to source a spare pair of boots for your first session. This will save you paying money up front and gives you time to talk to the other players about the boots they think are worth spending money on.

Whatever the weather

The weather might well influence what clothing you decide to wear. If it’s warm, you might go for shorts and t-shirt. But if the thought of showing off your legs in shorts horrifies you, then don’t worry, you won’t be alone leggings in opting for or tracksuit bottoms. The most important aspect is comfort. And remember, this is a first session, and it’s a great time to suss out what other experienced players wear at training.

In cold weather, take an extra layer or two that you can take off once you warm up and then put on again after the session. Some players wear base-layers under t-shirts, but a t-shirt and a tracksuit top or hoodie, plus a light waterproof jacket will be fine for a cold, wet evening. A thin pair of gloves will also add comfort if it’s chilly. Conversely, in summer, a layer of sun cream can stop an hour or two of fun in the sun ending in sunburn.

Safety and comfort

Leagues and tournaments often require players to wear shin pads for safety reasons, however this isn’t always the case in training. Once again this could be something you check with the club, as they may have a spare pair if you are expected to wear them. If you do have shin pads then wear them under long football socks to keep them in place.

A good sports bra, will make training more comfortable. Though it isn’t a high impact activity, walking football still involves lots of movement. A sports bra can aid comfort, minimise any ligament damage around the breasts, and also help prevent neck and back pain in some women.

If you’ve got long hair, you might want to tie it up to stop it annoying you. A headband will also help keep fringes under control. When it’s cold, some women wear a beanie type hat to help keep warm.

It’s very important to remember a drink. Take water or squash and make sure you stay hydrated. The sport might literally sound like a walk in the park, but you will probably be surprised by how hard you work. Don’t wait to feel thirsty, take the opportunity for drinks between drills.

And that’s about it. Most people won’t invest in boots, shin pads or expensive sports bras until they’ve been to a few training sessions and fallen in love with the sport. After that, looking for new gear becomes less confusing and a lot more fun!

So remember...

Ask the club beforehand about boots and shin pads, go for comfort and enjoy your first session! Good luck!

You can always let us know if you've overcome your nerves and gone to your first session. We'd love to hear from you.