STAGGERING FOOTBALL

Some years ago a teaching colleague went to Austrlia on a teaching exchange. He was a Welshman who played rugby in his prime. When he took to plunge to visit the other side of the world, he joined the local rugby club veterans and told me on his return that every player was categorised into decades and ecah decade had to wear a particular shorts. The oldest (80 years+) wore gold shorts and were not allowed to be tackled! Imagine.  

I thought of this story when I read yesterday that Manchester City FC has set up a new team with a combined age of 700 years and more. They play "Walking Football" and the idea is to encourage elderly footballers (men and women) to be coached by their staff at the Premier League's Etihad complex.

Well I play Walking Football but my "stadium" is rather less sumptious, being the small astro at Penistone Church FC. Well it does not matter, we play football, relive our dreams and you never know we might get scouted.

The City squad ranges from 50 (WF is aimed at 50+ years) to 83!   To help you cannot run and there are no passes over head. The local authority and NHS are involved in promoting this encouraging people to remain fit and healthy. There is a chance to meet friends regularly and maintain confidence. Some of their grandchildren think their grandpas (and 'mas) are members of Manchester City; well why not, they do play for them don't they?