A group of greying Messis and Ronaldos have shown they really are still game by forming an over-65s football team.
Now the intrepid OAPs, Steel Game FC, who play to all the rules of the normal game but aren’t allowed to run, have issued a nationwide appeal for opposition.
The team was established after a recent event showcasing activities, supports and services available to older people and their carers in Motherwell.
Team organiser, Melissa Keyes, of North Lanarkshire Carers Together, explained: “People shouldn’t be fooled by the slower pace. Everyone is bursting with passion for the beautiful game.
“The team are made of men and women and eager to pit their skills against some opposition. They’re a competitive bunch.”
Steel Game were formed after an event at Fir Park, home of The Steelmen, Motherwell FC, organised under the multi-agency Reshaping Care for Older People strategy. A key aim of RCOP which the team has emblazoned its strip is to allow people to continue to live full, positive and independent lives by strengthening local communities.
One of the activities arranged for the day was a walking football taster session. But Melissa said it’s sparked a football frenzy.
“Walking football is big for older people in England and Motherwell FC Community Trust wanted to set up a session to see how popular it is here. We issued an appeal for players and were inundated with interest. There was an additional training session before the actual event and we’ve now to put an 11-a-side team together.
Melissa added: “A big part of RCOP is about helping older people beat loneliness and isolation and initiatives like this are key.”
Among the newly-formed squad is Ruth Gray, 70, from Motherwell. “Football is known for bringing people together and I know walking football certainly is inspiring unity here,” said Ruth.
“You can tell because about half the team are women. We’ve been giving the guys a good run for their money, but at the end of the day we’re a close-knit squad and we’d be delighted to take on any willing opponents.”
Fellow player Drew Weir, 72, added: “I’ve not kicked a ball in many a year, but it’s amazing how the touch comes back.”
Andrew Gemmell, Football Development Officer from MFC Community Trust trains the team. He said: “If I spot anyone running I blow for a foul. Sometimes I need to remind everyone of the rules and even bring out the book for persistent offenders!”
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