Walking Football: A fun and low-impact way to get fit and meet new people!

My destination was a game of Walking Football at Rotherham Leisure Complex where gents of a certain age meet each Monday morning for a kick-about.

The trouble is, there is not enough of them. On some days games can involve no more than two-a-side, hence me answering a request to join in and give these sessions a deserved shot-in-the-arm by way of a story.

Walking Football is new to me, although I more or less played it in my dying days in the Rotherham Sunday League.

These sessions are a joint effort between Rotherham United Community Sports Trust and Ru3a (Rotherham University of the Third Age) and all you need is loose, comfortable clothing, a pair of trainers and a bit of enthusiasm.

As we limber up, I speak to regular Steve Mann, the youngster of the group at 65.

“This is one of the highlights of my week,” he says. “It's a way of meeting new people and keeping fit and you look forward to it.

“We keep a diary at home and Monday is always Walking Football unless there is a family emergency.”

This particular week the lads and lasses from the Community Sports Trust staff turn up and form a team to play against us older gents.

At 56, I'm practically a youth player, which is a lovely feeling until we kick off.

I spoon a few passes out of play, I tweak my right knee and there's a constant urge to run.

Trevor Hudson, 68, long time player and now avid Walking Footballer, assures me.

“It's harder to walk and play than you think,” he says. “As soon as you do anything with the ball, you know it's not going to be utterly perfect but you know the other person isn't going to be perfect either.”

He's right, and a few minutes in, the appeal of Walking Football starts to strike home.

I start playing passes to feet instead of for team-mates to “run” onto. I'm on first name terms with my new footy friends and, lo and behold, I score a goal.

I resist the urge to do a celebratory knee slide (that would only hurt).

Our opponents are younger and better and one of their team, a real box of tricks, looks suspiciously like a one-time Rotherham United player.

I tap him on the shoulder and he confirms he's Jamie Yates.

Jamie and the younger guns on his team are proof that Walking Football needn't just be for people of retirement age.

It can be a way for ex or injured players to ease back to fitness before going back to normal football again.

At the other end of the scale are people like Bob Montgomery, aged 67.

“I had a triple heart bypass about five years ago and I always threatened to do something when I retired,” said Bob.

“When everything cleared up and this started up, it felt like a good idea and I came down and gave it a try. I'm so glad I did.

“I also play Walking Cricket. That's more popular but you'd think football would be.”

His thoughts are echoed by Paul Wilman, 72.

“I really can't understand why we can't get more people coming along.

“I do other forms of physical activity but I love football,” he says.

We take a break, have a friendly chat, the game kicks off again and as the second half unfolds the usual strains of a typical working Monday morning melt further away.

More goals go in (more at our end than theirs) but I start to realise how much I've missed the feeling and the camaraderie of playing a team sport.

By the time full-time is called after an hour's play and we all shake hands, I've got a right little sweat on.

“That's no surprise,” says Trevor. “This is great exercise. I've lost half a stone since these sessions started in September.”

The sessions run 11am-noon and at the end there's the chance to hang around for a free drink and a chat if you so wish.

“Sitting down and having a chat, that's how you get to know people,” adds Trevor.

“It's such good fun and you are not beholden to turn up every week. Most of the people who come are grandparents so they have grandparent duties.

“Everybody is of retirement age. They might have a holiday booked. You come along when it suits.”

Work commitments mean I have to forgo the after-match pleasantries and get back to the office.

After I bid my farewells and turn to go, I think about the pleasant hour just passed.

Walking Football might not be for me just yet but for countless retired people in Rotherham, male or female, who are sat at home on a Monday morning with not much to do, it could be.

FANCY trying Walking Football?

- Walking Football can reduce resting heart rate, lower blood pressure and stimulate weight loss.

- As with any form of exercise, Walking Football releases feel-good hormones into the blood which reduce stress and improves overall well-being.

- The game is played to Football Association rules led by a qualified sports coach. Players are allowed to walk fast, but can't run or jog with the ball or off the ball.

- Walking Football is at Rotherham Leisure Complex on Effingham Street on Mondays (11am-12noon) and is open to anyone no longer in full-time work, irrespective of age.

- There is free parking and coaching, equipment and practice bibs are all provided.

- The sessions are run by Ru3a and the Rotherham Community Sports Trust as part of its More Than Football initiative.

- For more details contact Andy Glossop (RUCST) 07508 495883 or 01709 827767 or by email [email protected]