Levels

As Walking Football is geared towards the more senior members of the community there is a different aspect to the conversation around levels. Levels still exist but they tend to be softer in nature. Rather than a rigid pyramid structure that underpins and supports the Walking Football Clubs, the levels are inferred by the success of the team and by the club membership.

Some walking football clubs have no aspiration to do any more than play their social sessions. These clubs can still have good football players but the thought of competitive play against other teams is not considered.

Then there are the clubs that compete in leagues and tournaments. For the smaller clubs playing in a league or tournament can still be an inclusive opportunity for all members. They may be unlikely to win but they'll have good fun trying.

Then there are the clubs with a larger membership. Within these clubs you begin to see a split between the members that want to play competitive matches and those that want to just turn up every week and enjoy the social sessions. This individual preference goes some way to keeping everyone happy, but inevitably you end up with those that want to play in competitive matches, that may not be the most talented, who are side lined and not selected. Which makes them unhappy, disgruntled, resentful, and question the inclusivity of 'their' club. In a sense it's no different to the dilemma facing a Premier League Manager who wants to play his best team but can't afford to ostracise the players on the fringe, because at some point they will be needed. I suppose one difference is that the non-playing Premier League player is still being paid..!!

There are also clubs who measure themselves on how many cups and leagues they win. Even though money may not change hands, I've heard of clubs who poach the better players from other clubs to strengthen their club's chances of winning. This can leave a sour taste for those in the club that are on the edge of the team who then get relegated to the bench for someone who does not attend the social sessions but takes the glory, the cups, and the medals.

In the next instalment I'll think about how the England team(s) fit into all of this.