The dad-of-two who had a knee replacement…then walked into a Wales football team

By Matt Slater

HE’S not exactly ready for the scrap-heap just yet, but when you get to Mark Fisher’s age it’s natural to believe your days of playing football are in the past.

But football has given this Swansea City-supporting father of two a new lease of life in his more senior years. Walking football that is.

So much so, that Fisher is doing it for his country having represented Wales at both the walking football European Championships and the World Cup.

His is a story that should serve as an inspiration to anyone who has assumed their playing days are over after one injury too many.

Fisher was pointed in the direction of walking football by his physio, who helped him rehabilitate following knee replacement surgery.

“I couldn’t get my head around playing walking football at first,” Fisher admitted. “I thought it was a downgrade from normal football.

“But once I understood just how good the sport is, I became involved and instantly started to play in tournaments all over the country.”

Fisher now plays for Neath Dragons in the 50-plus Premier Division. The Dragons currently find themselves in third, four points off leaders, Llandarcy Swansea.

There is also an over-60s and 70s national team, as well as a women’s team which is growing at a rapid pace.

Fisher added: “Since the day I first started playing walking football, I have not looked back.

“I play, if possible, three times a week and I love every second. When I take my boots off I can’t wait until I can put them back on again.

“It is a fantastic experience and something I would recommend to anyone. It has  great physical and social benefits and is just so much fun.”.

Fisher has had to balance his personal and social life with his new-found love.

As well as being a dad and ardent Swans fan he is also chairman of public sector Unison’s Neath Port Talbot county branch.

But he’s done that successfully up to now, having been invited to trials for the Welsh walking football team within two years of taking up the sport.

Fisher played in Wales’ first ever walking football international against England at Jenner Park, the home of Barry Town United, in 2018.

“I thoroughly enjoyed representing my country and playing with like-minded people,” he said.

“There is no better feeling than representing your country, I love it. I am still part of the squad and look forward to representing Wales again in the future.

“My family were so proud and that was the best feeling of all. “

Fisher faced England once again at St George’s Park in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, and represented the A Team.

They fell to a 5-0 defeat against a very good home side. The B Team also fell to defeat and lost 3-1.

Fisher has recently traveled to Italy to play for his country. The squad will also travel to the Isle of Wight in April.