Strollers Interview - Keith Peat

Welcome to the first of a series of interviews with players from Hawarden Strollers. First up is Keith Peat, a stalwart of Friday nights and a player in our 70s team.

First question Keith, Tell me about your sporting background?

I was a very keen footballer as a child and played in Youth teams in Ormskirk. As I got older, I played amateur football in the Liverpool and Southport leagues. I also played in Holland, when I worked over there. Later on, I played in social matches, but I stopped playing when I was around 35 and then did some coaching in local junior football.

From that point, my main football involvement was as a season ticket holder at Liverpool, which I was for over 25 years.

What attracted you to walking football?

I’ve always loved the game and when I found out about Hawarden Strollers, I realised it may give me the chance to address the fact that I still felt the “frustrated footballer” inside of me. Walking football gave me the prospect of putting the boots on again and knowing that there was this opportunity, gave me a lift.

What’s your experience with the Strollers been like and what have you got out of it?

When you retire, one of the things you miss is that social connection with workmates and friends. Walking football gives me that contact and banter with what are now a set of mates.

It has also helped maintain my fitness and helped with my mental health. When I put my name down to play on Friday, I’m committed to doing something and that helps get me out of the house when it’s cold and wet. I always feel better after the game than I did when I arrived.

What would you say to someone considering playing walking football?

“Give it a go” is what I would say. It’s all too easy to write yourself off as you get older and stop pushing yourself. You’ll meet new people in similar situations to yourself and make new friends.

Lots of the Strollers have gone on to represent the club in competitions and several have gone on to play international football for Wales and England. You never know where it could lead to, once you start.

If you’re interested, in any way, of getting back into football, be open-minded, turn up and have a game!

Thanks very much for your time, Keith.

If you’re interested in getting involved with walking football, get in touch with Hawarden Strollers, come down and as Keith says “give it a go” - what have you got to lose!

Subscribe to our blog for more content as our 60s team head to Newtown for the Welsh finals and the Neston Over 65s league commences.

#walkingfootball #mentalhealth #fitness #Strollers