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“I do get a surprised reaction when people find out that I play walking football, and it tends to be from my own age group or older!” Lynda tells us about her love of sport, and how she plans to enjoy it for as long as possible.
Lynda is based in Newham, London. Her early career was spent working in the City area of London, before she decided to change direction and study for two degrees which led to her becoming an occupational therapist; a role she retired from five years ago.
Lynda enjoys her social life; including films, the theatre, and visiting the city’s museums and attractions. But one passion that has always played a big part in her life is sport.
Lynda played netball and badminton when she worked in the City, and when we caught up with her, Lynda had just taken a leap and joined her local rowing club. She found the experience very welcoming, and recently took part in her first ever row, down the Thames.
"I was exhausted afterwards,” Lynda said, “But it was amazing, and I’m really pleased with myself for going along.”
When Lynda mentioned to a friend that she was going to give rowing a try, she was dismayed by the reaction she received.
“My friend thought I was ‘mad’ inferring ‘at my age’, which is really disappointing. If you’re able and want to, why not give something new a try? It’s a shame if people don’t think that they can try things.”
Lynda also plays for League One London-based football club Leyton Orient FC’s Over 40s Women’s Walking Football team. She re-discovered football aged 64, after seeing an advert for a team in Essex.
Lynda played football growing up, and kept it up into adulthood, even though women’s football wasn’t fashionable or teams as easy to find as they are now.
“I do get a surprised reaction when people find out that I play walking football, and it tends to be from my own age group or older! I don’t know if they are surprised I’m so active at my age, or whether they are still surprised about a woman playing football!
“Walking Football is usually for the over 40’s, though currently most of our team are between 50 and 60. A more recent joiner is a few months older than me so I’m no longer the oldest on the team at 70!
“It can be tough playing against far younger players. But I’m just enjoying playing while I can – my knees are telling me that I’ve had a good run (pardon the pun) though, but I’m going to keep going for as long as possible.
“I’ve had a player say to me that they couldn’t believe that I was the same age as her dad!
“But I’ve always found that playing football and sports in general, help one forget the stresses and strains of life; it’s about being in the moment, it’s a great outlet.”
“I do think that some see older people as being past it, with nothing to offer. Hopefully that will gradually change, especially as those who have interests retire earlier and then have time to pursue them, become more visible.”
“I struggle to see myself as an older person as I’m lucky to be mobile and active, and that’s not the role model of older age that I had when I was growing up. But sometimes I see an older person on the news or TV, and I’m taken aback to find out that they are actually younger than me!
“I feel that if you expect not to be able to do things as you age, then maybe it becomes self-fulfilling".
Editor’s note: Leyton Orient FC’s Over 40s Women’s Walking Football team are always keen to welcome new joiners, so visit their website for further information.
Image: Lynda (LEFT) and fellow members of Leyton Orient FC’s Over 40s Women’s Walking Football team.
