The Power of Walking Football- a chat with Steve Griffins

A chat with Steve Griffin – The positive impact of Walking Football:

Sport is not only beneficial for physical health, but also mental health and mindset. A prime example of this is Steve Griffin’s personal journey with his mental health, and how the Walking Football provision here at Wycombe Wanderers Foundation allowed him to open up about his struggles, and make worthwhile connections.

Steve is one of our valued Stewards at Wycombe Wanderers, and also one of the first participants of Walking Football. Steve explained how it all came about, and it stemmed from a 12 Week fitness programme held at Adams Park which he was part of a few years ago. Through this, he met lots of people, and they all decided to keep Walking Football up, despite the programme closing. They launched the idea to everyone at Wycombe Wanderers Foundation, who immediately got involved and supported this provision, and there it began.

When we asked Steve what he loves about Walking Football, he said “You can meet different people, plus friends, and I met other groups all in my age group”. He then explained further how much the sessions kept him fit, and how good it was for his mindset. Steve is very open about struggles with his mental health, and told us,  ” I suffered with mental health, and it takes your mind off things you don’t want to be thinking about. Some of the guys knew about my life, so they know how I am”. Steve told us how much of a community Walking Football was to him, and as well as playing sport, it was an open and safe environment for everyone to talk and share their feelings. Sport encourages togetherness, community, and teamwork; not only crucial for performance, but also for making friends and forming friendships. Walking Football encouraged a community of people from all walks of life. Steve explained how beneficial it was to “Be around people. None of the people there I would have met outside. You make friends, have good fun, it keeps you fit, and it’s fun”.

Steve recalled a story where the team of Walking Football players decided to go for a walk around the fields of High Wycombe, and one of the participants asked Steve if it was okay for them to share Steve’s journey with the rest of the group. He then went on to say how much of a big improvement he had noticed in Steve since he started Walking Football. Steve says he “nearly cried, and they all gave me a cuddle”. He fondly recalled this special moment with his close friends from the session.

However, last year Steve unfortunately sustained a knee injury, meaning he was no longer able to take part in Walking Football, as he needed to aid his knee. He did say that he “still occasionally keeps in touch outside of Walking Football. We all get on- we all have separate lives”. Despite not attending recently, Steve has still met up with the rest of the group for a pint and a chat, which he values deeply. He hopes to join again soon, and get back to regular sessions.

Steve talked so highly of Walking Football, and said he would recommend it to anyone and everyone if they are looking to make friends and meet new people. His story will resonate with many people for sure, and may seem familiar to some of our current participants. Thank you so much to Steve for taking the time to talk to us so openly about your thoughts and experiences at Walking Football. We hope to see you back at session; your journey is such a heartwarming thing to hear.

If you are interested in signing up to one of our Walking Football sessions, here are all of the details:

OUR SESSIONS:

MONDAY

⏰6:00pm – 7:00pm⏰

📍Redgrave Sports Centre Wycombe Rd, Marlow, SL7 3JD📍

💰£5 per session💰

TUESDAY (Females Only)

⏰7:00pm – 8:00pm⏰

📍Amersham & Wycombe College, Spring Lane, Flackwell Heath, HP10 9HE📍

💰£5 per session💰

THURSDAY

⏰ 11:00am – 12:00pm⏰

📍Wycombe Leisure Centre, Handy Cross, High Wycombe HP11 1UP📍

💰£5 per session💰

To book a session, please complete our Medical Form & Complete the boooking process by using the Link. If you have any questions, please contact community@wwfc.com