Simon Evans, from our Sports Department, has recently achieved the honour of being selected to represent England in Over 65s Walking Football. From his first introduction to the sport to earning his England cap, Simon reflects on his journey, the challenges he’s overcome, and what this remarkable achievement means to him, all while continuing to play a valued role within the Prep school community.
Writes Simon Evans
I have been playing for my local Walking Football Club, Watford for several years now and have represented the Southeast of England over 60’s and now 65’s since July 2019. More recently I was included in the England 65’s squad to play against the England Kicking Cancer team. On the 11th of December 2025, I was thrilled to be called into the England over 65’s Walking Football Association team to play my first international match versus Republic of Ireland. This was played at Heybridge Swifts FC in Essex and qualified me for my first England cap.
My inaugural outing was against the England Kicking Cancer team, played early December. This was followed by an international match v Republic of Ireland, played at Heybridge Swifts FC in Essex on 11th December. This qualified me for my first England cap. I have subsequently been selected to play in the Christian Poirier Challenge, to be played in Nantes, France. This is another exciting opportunity and takes place between 22-25 May 2026.
This you can imagine is a great honour for me and I am truly grateful to you and the school for allowing me the opportunity and giving your full support.
What first inspired you to get involved in Walking Football?
I was first introduced to Walking Football by a very good friend, at the back end of 2017. Although I had played Vets football, this was a very good replacement for the ‘running’ game, with the same competitiveness and social interactions. It also served well as we were coming out of COVID, when the world had become extremely isolated.
What steps or moments you feel helped lead to your selection?
My involvement with the Southeast of England made it possible to challenge for a place in the England team. I had to work hard, attend each regional competition and perform well in all matches to finally get selected
Any challenges you’ve faced during your journey, and how you’ve overcome them?
Injuries are always a challenge but fortunately, I have been relatively lucky in this respect and escaped anything serious enough to keep me out of playing for a long period of time
What being selected for England has meant to you personally?
Being selected for England was a great thrill and I was extremely honoured to play in my first international fixture against the Republic of Ireland. My family are also very proud of me on achieving this success
How you balance your football commitments alongside your other responsibilities?
My commitments can be quite daunting but, with the support of the Prep school, I have been able to meet all requirements imposed on me, to this point. To continue my involvement moving forward, I will be reducing my working days with the school, from next academic year.
