Today marks International Day of Older Persons, and to recognise this occasion we spoke to a number of Fulham’s Walking Footballers about the benefits of extending your footballing career into your ‘older’ years!
Mike - “When I was 50 I had a cardiac arrest playing football and was told I could never play again. And then I found out about Walking Football and I’m allowed to play Walking Football. It’s the most marvellous exercise and camaraderie I can find.”
Roger - “When I first started to come it was mainly for fitness, the regime of regular training. When I first started that was really good. Eventually you get in with the guys and now it’s just great fun, I know a lot of them now personally and we go out a lot. I didn’t know any of them before I came out. There’s a great welcome and inclusive environment here.”
Barry - “It gets me a little few pounds off, sweat up a bit and gives me a chance meet all my mates that I’ve known over the years here. We all enjoy the football, it’s a great laugh and there’s no stress on anybody. At the end of the day everybody enjoys themselves.”
Alan - “The social side is excellent, particularly at Fulham, we have lots of guys who have now made close friends for life. It gets us out and active, kicking the ball about and having a laugh.”
Fulham FC Foundation currently runs weekly Walking Football sessions for men and women at a number of venues detailed below. For more information and to join our Walking Football sessions please visit fulhamsoccerschools.com and search under the Walking Football course type. For all enquires please email health@fulhamfc.com.
Current Walking Football sessions:
- Mondays 11am to 12pm at The Spencer Club, Earlsfield
- Tuesdays 11:30am to 12:30pm at Fulham FC Training Ground, Motspur Park
- Wednesdays 11:30am to 12:30pm at Fulham FC Training Ground, Motspur Park
- Fridays 12pm to 1pm at the Xcel Sports Hub, Elmbridge
