Express & Star

Age is no barrier to Black Country players

Age is no barrier for a group of Black Country footballers who are rolling back the years to play the beautiful game.

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The players, the oldest of whom is 85-years-old (yes, 85), all once believed their days of enjoying a kick-about with their friends were behind them.

That was until they discovered walking football – a game that not only keeps you fit and healthy but also provides the camaraderie and banter that every fan enjoys.

The walking football project was founded by the Walsall Housing Group in conjunction, with Walsall FC last year.

And 69-year-old Dave Charlesworth, from Walsall Wood, believes joining is one of the best things he has ever done.

He said: "I've been playing right since the very start and I've enjoyed every minute. All of us have health complaints because of our age and we're all told we have to do exercise.

Walsall coach Chris Springthorpe gets the walk don't run message across.

"You can go for a walk, or you can go on a diet but you are always stressed, you are always thinking about stuff.

"But when you come here, whatever you are thinking about ¬ whatever stresses you have got – as soon as you get that ball at your feet you forget about them.

"You're 69 but you get that ball and you feel 16. It's getting you fitter but it also makes you feel young again."

Dave feels even younger when he plays alongside Walsall's Denis Whistance, who turns out on a regular basis despite being 85.

Alongside the fitness element, he also enjoys the camaraderie the group shares with the players often having a cup of tea and chat about football after each game.

He said: "We have built that spirit up and you couldn't meet a friendlier group of people. The camaraderie is there and we are all so grateful that this has been built up.

"All of sudden, guys of our age can return to their youth, just a little bit, and it's great fun."

Dave is one of thousands of older men across the UK who have rediscovered the joys of playing football again.

It comes through a sport that makes the basic elements of a match accessible to them by slowing the game down.

Walking football, which is supposed to involve a free-kick every time a player runs, was only invented six years ago and already there are hundreds of registered clubs all over the country.

Each game has a no overhead height rule while goals can only be scored inside the area.

The pace may be more leisurely, but the game is still fierce, which is the way Brian Langley, from Aldridge, who is 69, likes it.

He said: "Some people see it as a gimmick, a joke, but to those people I say come and play. They are good guys here. There are no superstars. It's just great fun and I love it.

"The standard is improving all the time and we're now playing some good football. It's such a good crack.

"People come up to me and say they are 51, 52, 59 and say they are too old to play – so I tell them I'm 10 years older.

"Anyone can play it, it's a game designed so everyone can take part. Come along, find your level and you'll never look back."

All players have the option to play two games a week with a Wednesday evening session held on the artificial surface at the Banks's Stadium.

A Thursday morning match also takes place at Blakenall Community Centre in Walsall.

Martin Berry, community health champion at the Walsall Housing Group, was one of the key figures in launching the group.

And the 51-year-old from Shelfield, who plays himself, is now encouraging more people to take part.

He said: "This is, without fail, one of the best things to happen for older guys in Walsall over the last few years.

"It all started with a conversation I had with the community team at Walsall FC and it has grown ever since.

"A lot of these guys, before they started playing football again,weren't doing any exercise. But they have come together and have gelled straight away.

"They have a great rapport and are always taking the mickey out of each other. All the guys here, apart from one, is over 50.

"The only guy that is younger has a few health problems and I'm keen that more people who suffer with diabetes, obesity, COPD, or anything that stops them playing sport comes along.

"It's just over moderate intensity and anyone who wants to take part is more then welcome."

Martin has set himself a target of getting 100 people playing walking football by the end of the year and hopes to one day launch Walsall's first competitive league.

He said: "I've got 72 registered now so I'm well on target. And the league is a real possibility, that is the next target.

"It's about helping people become more healthy but also having fun and getting out there.

"Some of the guys, who had breathing problems, say their breathing has now improved. Others say they are sleeping better and we have all lost weight.

"We want to see people over 50 getting active, that is the aim but we didn't realise the impact of the social side. "We are all meeting new friends and enjoying the banter. It's been brilliant."

Anyone interested in finding out more about walking football can call Martin on 07958 165 367 or the community team at Walsall Football Club on 01922 644 742.

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