Walking Football is typically associated with being played by older individuals due to its slower pace and non-contact rules. However, one individual who has experienced the positive impacts of Walking Football at 37 years old is John Burnet. He started the format due to knee injury and now strongly believes walking football can be for anyone and is underrated as a community tool to bring people together.
We spoke with John, to find out more about his experiences in the game.
- Please can you tell us a little about yourself and how got into walking football?
I'm John. A 37-year-old, Dad of 3 boys - a football obsessive, Man Utd fan - who loves the game in all forms, as well as connecting with people and having fun!
I got into Walking football through a group in Thatcham, Berkshire who were looking for new players. I love football and really missed the fact I 'couldn't' play anymore. I've had double-digit knee surgeries - starting from the age of 16. Getting back to playing has forever been the goal, but always a struggle... I'd get back and the next thing would go wrong.
A few years back I got into a 5-a-side indoor group (ages between 25-70) - but it was full contact and a little too demanding on the joints!
I was welcomed into the Thatcham Tornadoes Walking football group as a 'young-un' - with Steve Corcoran (the organiser) showing me the ropes and making me feel part of it from day 1. The majority of players are 50,60+, even one guy is 72 and has got back to playing following a double-knee replacement. It's genuinely inspiring.
I played with this new group for a year before slowly introducing fellow dads from school (with Steve's permission) and encouraging them to give it a go. As a result, I've recruited 5+ regulars (between the ages of 37-48) who are hooked! What this has also meant is Friday nights always go ahead. Of old there would often be low numbers, thus with 5 or 6 it would be cancelled. Now, we consistently have between 8-14 players every week for a 1-hour game.
- What benefits do you get from playing walking football?
I really look forward to Friday nights. It's an hour out in the fresh air, getting some exercise and enjoying others' company. It gives me a buzz to still play, pull off that cracking save, pick a pass, score a goal. It's good for the mind and good for the body.
- What challenges have you faced in accessing / playing walking football?
The challenge generally is that it is seen as an 'Old persons' game. I was lucky to have Steve as someone who understood I would play respectfully, and the reason walking football was for me at this age was due to injuries. I think myself and others of that 37-48 years-old bracket have integrated really well and enjoy the game for what it is. Sharing the pitch with some lovely humans and hearing about their day, week, and having a bit of banter.
As I've still got that competitive spirit (you never lose it, even if your body is crumbling!) - searching for competitions, tournaments etc is where I see the real barrier. It's 40+ 50+ 60+ categories. So that door is closed. I'd love for there to be a more inclusive approach to this. I'm now a keeper 90% of the time, and don't want to wait 3 years before I can play outside of a Friday night.
- Why do you think it’s important that walking football is open to all ages?
Walking football is not just for older individuals... It's still a really great way to play the game. Your touch needs to be better, you pass to feet, not through… and it levels the playing field. Often speed and strength are differentiators in the regular game - but once you effectively remove those you need to think differently and be smarter around your passing and positioning.
- How would you encourage those in a similar position to you to start playing walking football?
I think it's about airtime and story sharing, like this. People just don't know it's a thing OR if they can OR if they are welcome. It's also the feeling of judgement from others who are still playing 11-aside full contact, Sunday league, for example. I got a bit of stick from my mates, but as soon as I got them playing, they understood how good it was!
It can be a stepping stone in rehab (for folks wanting to get back playing after surgery) or like me - I can't really get back to running so this is it.
I also think Walking football clubs/communities should see the benefits of a mixed group and be open minded. As I say, if I’d not joined by chance and done my bit to grow the group, we'd not play every week due to numbers. I took on that responsibility with pride because I know how important this is to others. Some of these guys live alone, are retired, and don't have much social interaction through the week. It's a privilege to be part of it.
- What do you hope to see in the future for walking football?
I hope to see a mix. Men, women, young, old. People to enjoy the game without judgement that it is a 'lesser' sport. I'd love to be at tournaments, playing across the country, abroad. I think it would be such a great thing to do growing up with groups knowing you can 'keep playing' not 'hang up your boots'. I coach one of my sons football teams (u8) - but also have a 5 year old and a 9 year old. I'm sad they never got to see me play - but I'd be super proud to take the field semi-competitively in a tournament and them watch.
- What message(s) would you like to say to others in the walking football community and how can they help?
I think just be open. Maybe there is a fear that younger generations won't listen, won't follow the rules, will be 'rough' or will ruin it - but I'd encourage teams to canvas for extra players of all ages - use the 'returning from Injury?' 'Miss playing?' angle to get more people involved and aware. Bring along your son, daughter, grandchildren, or neighbour who wants to try it out.
If you’re looking to recruit more players to your walking football club or session or want to increase the awareness of Walking Football like John, why not host a Walking Football Week local event between 23rd March – 3rd April. This could be an open taster, bring a friend session or festival. Benefit from national marketing, promotional asset pack and be entered into a prize draw.
Find out more here: https://community.thefa.com/teamwalk-online/f/walking-football-week/7514/walking-football-week---host-a-local-event
Or for more information on how to get involved in walking football, go here: https://www.englandfootball.com/play/ways-to-play/walking-football