THE JOY OF SIX- A SECOND YOUTH

Its a "substitute" isn't it? Yes football is, especially when the blood doesn't flow a fast as it used to. I'm not going to bang on about the Penistone Church FC Walking Football team that won the Etihad Over 65s 6-a-side tournament, it's Star Sixes that is in the news today.

Twelve countries are playing a "Veterans' Six-a-Side Tournament" in London's best Indoor Arena, the O2. The final is played this evening and it has been on the telly; rivetting viewing for some.... compared to the tennis, test match, F1, England U19s?

This wasn't a knock about, kick around but like our Walking Football, deadly serious and teams wanted to win. It was played in good spirits with no hanky panky, respect and skill. Neil Bailey is the CEO of Star Sixes and the director of business development at Pitch International, a sports' marketing agency. His firm also deals with Royal Ascot, Brazil Football, the ECB, Six Nations and so on. They know what they are doing.

Crowds have been good at the O2, 15,000 or more, over 100 countries are watching on TV or over the internet. There is scope for more events and perhaps a "World Cup" later. It's not testimonial stuff, it is ex-pros, fit and motivated. Its not just reliving the past, its playing in the present, with immaculate skills from Pirlo, the free-kicks of Carlos, Owen's scoring and Ballack and Puyol and Gerrard.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlawfZMjrVs
Indoor leisure suits a wide audience, this is PR friendly, there is much for social media to latch on to and its quick and complete. More people are playing 5/6 a-side, men and women, 5 to 65 years+.

T20, ATP finals, Golfsixes have the same appeal.... they are comfy and accessible. There is an American style to all these events and the latest Champions League Final confirmed the influence of the USA in providing all round entertainment.

Then there is Hashtag United, a Sunday League team formed by a YouTube gamer. They have a huge shirt sponsorship deal, thousands attend their games and Star Sixes have tried to pitch into this culture by pitting a team against Hashtag United.
http://hashtagunited.co.uk/
The F2 Freestylers, heard of them?? They do their stuff on Soccer AM on Sky and  have their own kit deal and 42 million viewers on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DZ2rDFMB3g

There are lots of legends games and more to come. It's a second youth.  As far as Walking Football is concerned, my doctor may not agree.