From playing Walking Football in a tournament involving England, Ireland, Wales, Isle of Man and Peru. We had two minutes’ silence, followed by a minute applauds, Players from every country wore black armbands. These weren’t issued. We all sourced / made our own. We sang the National anthem. We belted it out. I honestly think that we paid more respect to The Queen than had we not played. i cannot see any good reason to stop playing sport.
Truthfully, since it was the football authorities who cancelled, I can think of only one reason, and thats so fans don't boo during the silence. But if there's one the next time we play anyway, surely they'll still boo if they're that way inclined anyway
I just think the EFL thought it was the right thing to do, as a matter of Respect, each sporting governing body making their own decision. I wasn't particularly happy, but understand it was a difficult decision. If anyone boos tomorrow night. They should hang their heads in shame.
How did the tournament go? Did you win? Did you impress with your silky Glavinesque skills? Come on, give us the lowdown, we've been starved of footie all weekend.
It really was a great day. I played in the England Vs Republic of Ireland game. We won 2-0. I was pleased with my game - although I hit the post twice, and had a goal chalked off as the half time whistle blew! We won the Four Nations trophy, with this being the last in the series of games. A great event to be part of.
How does walking football work? I'm not trying to belittle or score points - I genuinely have no idea. I imagine dribbling is less of a thing and long balls are a waste? But can passing be successful when you can't run away from your marker to reach the ball. Is it 100% no running or can you jog? Is running a foul? Yellow card?
It's a great game - especially for people who may have been injured, or perhaps a bit wary of the speed/ force of the full game. No running. Fast walking is allowed. The ball can't go over head height. No sliding tackles, or playing the ball whilst on the floor. All tackles must be face to face / visible. i.e. you can't come from behind a player to take the ball. No pass backs to the keeper if the keeper has just given it to you - the ball has to go to another player first. All freekicks indirect. Running = a foul and carries a warning. 3 warnings = Blue card & off for 5 mins. The key is to keep the ball, and time / judge the weight of passes. There is some research that suggests that players can cover more miles in Walking football than in 5 a side, because you are constantly moving to find space. It's not just for old people - a great way to introduce beginners to the game, or to let injured players regain confidence.
Possibly MORE likely to boo. I think many non-Royalists were still in a sense of sad disbelief on Saturday (I was), but that will be passing now & people are miffed that the footy was cancelled & they were treated like disorderly idiots, unlike rugby fans & that boring game with the little red ball.
