We had a chat with local Walking Footballer and England International, Nick Hunter, about the benefits to Walking Football – a session he regularly attends with Peterborough United Foundation.
Peterborough United Foundation run a weekly Walking Football session as we continue to expand our offering of sporting activities for everyone across the local area.
Created in 2011, Walking Football is very similar to Association Football, but participants are not allowed to run, or even jog, during gameplay. The other major difference is that Walking Football is a non-contact sport, and whilst tackling is allowed, it must be done without making contact with an opposition player.
Games of walking football are usually small sided, 6-a-side games played in smaller goals and similarly to 5-a-side football, the ball must not go over head height and free kicks are indirect.
The risk of pain, discomfort and injury is reduced due to the combination of a slower pace and reduced contact, making it the perfect game for those who wish to play in a safer, slower manner than the standard rules of Association Football.
We spoke to Nick, a local Walking Footballer with England Caps under his belt, about why he plays Walking Football.
“I had just been made redundant for the fourth time in my life. Previously when made redundant, I was able to rebuild and start again, albeit hard, but this time, at 50 years of age, the thought of beginning all over again quickly led to my mind sinking into an unpleasant place.
“I sought help and was initially misdiagnosed with depression and anxiety. However, sometime later, having had several meetings with a Mental Health Practitioner, the MHP identified I was exhibiting ADHD traits. I knew very little about ADHD and ignorant of how harmful it can be. I merely associated ADHD with naughty school children, but how wrong was that. There are so many traits those with ADHD have and frankly the discovery of ADHD has literally been a life-changer for me. Truly a Eureka moment as it provided an avalanche of answers that literally explains my entire life and how events of my life have unfolded. For example, as above, starting a new career path each time I was made redundant was due to the ADHD trait ‘imposter syndrome’.
“However, prior to my ADHD diagnosis, a friend of mine who had learned of my situation so invited me to Walking Football and I’ve been playing ever since, for approximately 18 months. In that time, I have explored various groups in the area, played competitively in the PDFL for Huntingdon – where we became champions in our debut season and shortly afterwards, I began playing Walking Football for England.” Nick said.
A lifelong lover of the game, Nick had to change his plans as he grew older and an alternative to the rigour of Association Football was required. Walking Football provided the perfect answer and has become a huge passion of Nick’s since he began playing.
Nick said: “Football has always been something I’ve enjoyed but as I have gradually aged my body no longer permits me to run spritely around a football pitch, but I missed playing and that’s where Walking Football helped me. I’ve found Walking Football can be extremely competitive or played at a leisurely pace, it just depends on the groups you join. So essentially, Walking Football can accommodate all ages and levels of ability. It has enabled me to play the game I love once again, aids my fitness and given me the opportunity to meet some very kind and welcoming people too, not to mention giving me an all-important self-esteem boost, to combat the ADHD. The groups even put on social events for those wishing to meet up off the pitch too.”
Nick attends our Monday Night Walking Football sessions, 5:30pm – 6:30pm at Nene Valley Community Centre, along with a number of other people, keen to continue enjoying the game they love in a manner which suits them best.
Our players are enjoying the sessions so much, they are considering entering into a Walking Football league next season. But our session is open to anyone, whether wishing to play more competitively or just to have a weekly kickabout with a group of friendly, like-minded football lovers.
Nick is excited about the potential of this format of football and thinks it’s a fantastic time for new players to get involved during this period of huge growth for Walking Football.
“Personally, I think the scope of Walking Football is enormous and given time, I suspect Walking Football will expand across all age and ability groups and be adopted by football coaches to help introduce players to the game and educate them on how the game can and should be played … looking for and moving into space, accurate passing, the importance of a great touch, shooting accuracy. Another attribute of WF is it provides a safer, player-protected environment which significantly reduces the likelihood of injury. Players also use WF to ease themselves back into football after an injury, to regain their skills and confidence before returning to running football. Having experienced what WF can give I have become a big advocate of the game and look forward to many more people joining in.” Nick concluded.
As previously mentioned, our Walking Football sessions run every Monday, 5:30pm – 6:30pm at Nene Valley Community Centre. The session is free, and we’re excited at the potential of growing the group as the brilliant sport of Walking Football continues to grow for time to come.
For more information, questions or to discuss whether this session could benefit you, please email Jenna.Lusk@theposh.com.
