Firstly, apologies for the lateness of this update. Other more trivial things than walking football have needed to be taken care of.
We have had quite a few new members join us this year, and one of the most frequently asked questions after "Where's the loo" is "What attire will I need to play?".
As we play inside on an astro 3g pitch which is not subject to changing weather conditions, initially most trainers will suffice, providing they give a reasonable grip. As for clothing, wear whatever you feel comfortable in, though I would not recommend jeans. Obviously, as you progress, you might want to get more specialized, but the following are some of my experiences in the footwear line.
I didn't really have any suitable trainers. My Adidas Italia had been worn for years for everything from Days Out to D.I.Y. and beyond, and the soles were, to say the least, very smooth. My first purchase, in a local sports store, were a pair of Puma Kratero Astro Turf boots.
These cost about £25 and they are good value for money. They "break-in" reasonably quickly. However, they seem to be quite a wide fitting and become a bit too loose after time.
Next purchase was a pair of Adidas Predators at about £30. These also "break-in" reasonably fast, and they are my current boot of choice. They are a snug fitting boot, and the red pair are still going strong after two years. The blue pair still need "breaking in".
As an alternative, I purchased a pair of Adidas X-ite Turf Trainers at the local Adidas Outlet shop for again £25. These are reasonably comfortable but size wise are a shade too long for my feet. Unfortunately the next size down was too tight. If you excuse the pun, the general rule of thumb on sizing is that your big toe should be half a thumbs width from the front of the shoe.
Best places to purchase initially are your local discount sports stores or at outlet villages. Once you have settled on a pair you can then always buy a spare pair online. As makes and styles provide different fits, it's best to try on as many different shoes as you can. During my initial purchase I tried on Adidas, Puma, Nike, Sondico, Patrick amongst others.
So to sum up:
Always try to buy your first pair in person.
All football boots require "breaking-in".
Sizes and width fittings vary by manufacturer.
Don't be fooled into thinking that the more you pay - the better the boot.
After a while, it is wise to invest in a quality pair of insoles.
Don't not immerse your boots in hot water to soften them up. All you do is soften the glue at the seams.
Another year of walking football has passed, and lots of changes have occurred. We started 2016 playing at Soocerloco in Bromborough with sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays.
In February, we got together with Bebington Sports College with a view to promoting walking football. However, due to reasons beyond our control this never materialized.
March saw our last Thursday session as numbers were dwindling and we could also not always be guaranteed a pitch. An alternative trial at Neston Cricket Club proved to be both unrealistic and expensive.
March also saw us do a six-hour walking football marathon in aid of Sport Relief. With some assistance from the lads at Bebington Sports College, we raised over £500 for this great cause.
March, April & May also saw us play in a walking football league at the FA in Northwich with varying degrees of success.
In July, however, we were given the sad news that Soccerloco would be closing it's doors at the end of the month. Despite assurances from Age UK Wirral that they would find us a new venue, this was not to be and we were left basically high & dry. However, a visit to the only other indoor 3g facility on the Wirral proved most productive and thanks to Becky and her staff, we moved our walking football sessions to the Soccer Dome in Seacombe at the end of July. Since then, we have gained 10 new members as well as retaining many of the old guard from Soccerloco, including It's former owner Paul W.
In August, we played in the Cheshire FA Walking Football Festival for the first time under the Soccer Dome banner, where we were knocked out in the semi-final stage.
November saw the start of monthly competitions at the Soccer Dome, and the Dome Army eventually lost out in the final to a very strong team from Warrington Livewire.
On a personal note, I decided it might be prudent for me to take an FA First Aid Course, which I did in February. Thankfully, I haven't needed to use my newly learned knowledge as yet. I also decided to resign my post as treasurer at Cheshire FA Walking Football in the autumn due to health reasons.
So what have we learned in the past twelve months.
Well, for one, there are still people out there who would like to promote walking football for their own personal gain or egos. Thankfully, this is not the case at the Soccer Dome.
Females can play, referee & coach along side males on an equal footing and do not need to be segregated.
It's not just about the football, it's a whole social event, which some local organizers are at pains to understand. This can be judged by the success of our Christmas Party and the social interaction after sessions.
Anyway, enough babbling, onwards & upwards for 2017.
Fancy joining us, just come on down and join in the fun.
Last Sunday saw the third walking football competition at the Soccer Dome. With six teams taking part, winning was always going to be difficult, and although we went out in the preliminary round, we did play some good football and again used the competition as a learning curve for future events.
On the bright side, one of our players out on loan, Rob, played a major role in helping Franks Town win the trophy. Congratulations to Rob, but you're playing for us next time. (I'll sort it out with your agent).
The next competition is on Sunday 18th February. Details on the Soccer Dome website.
Wishing everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Big thank you to everyone who attended our Walking Football Christmas Party on 16th December at the Soccer Dome.
Big Thank You to Becky, Sarah & Ale for looking after us on the night and feeding us (especially the Soccer Dome Scouse which is becoming quite legendary). Also thank you for allowing us to play our walking football at The Dome. Don't know where we'd be without you guys. (well we possibly do - out in the cold).
Thank you to David for providing the music and to his Dad Ron for the unexpected entertainment.
Thank you to Kel for the running and organizing the quiz, raffle & stand-up bingo (trying to be very pc here).
Thanks to Andy for all his help & support during the last 12 months.
Thanks to Bert for organizing the collection & prezzies.
Thanks to all you guys, gals, players, friends, partners for attending our Christmas Party.
And last but not least thanks to everyone who came with us to the Soccer Dome & have continued to support us.
Here's to the next 12 months. Onwards & upwards.
If you play 5-a-side football in any of it's guises - check this link out.
http://www.5-a-side.com/fun/5-a-side-etiquette-the-unwritten-rules-everyone-should-know/
After our exploits at the Soccer Dome Competition last Sunday, it was back to fun walking football on Monday and Wednesday this week.
Ever increasing numbers (36 players this week alone at our sessions) show that walking football is gaining in popularity for a variety of different reasons. Whether it's to get fit, make new friends or just get out of the house for a few hours, if you're over 50, male or female, you are most welcome to join us. £2.00 a session at the Soccer Dome near Seacombe Ferry every Monday & Wednesday from 10.00am to 11.30am-ish.
But in the Soccer Dome it's spring. More great walking football at the Soccer Dome in Seacombe today. Finished off with a cuppa and a sausage or bacon butty. Lovely jubbley.
Oh - and a pint if you want it.
