FOOTBALL WALK

A football club kicked off its first over-50 walking football match in September 2020 in a bid to get people socialising. Barnsley Age UK and Paul Kay of Wombwell Main teamed up to launch the club’s first ever walking football game. The game, which kicked off at the ground on Windmill Road, had 13 new players all over the age of 50.

Tracy Hughes, social inclusion worker at Age UK, said at the time: “A group of 13 men turned up.

“Paul donned a bib which gave us a seven-a-side team and it was nothing short of brilliant.

“Watching them enthusiastically take part, trying their level best to walk not run, have football banter with each other and a close result that went to penalties was fantastic. “At the end everyone had the usual post match briefing which included lots of ‘did you see him’ and ‘he should’ve gone off ref’ but the bottom line was, they’re all coming back this Saturday and I couldn’t be happier.

“Who knows where the team might end up but one thing is for sure, anything is possible if you believe.

“We are looking to create a team to play during the week but it all depends on numbers that turn out. Well done to everyone that played.”

It was a great initiative which allowed elderly residents keep fit after being told to shield during lockdown. Its idea was influential in getting elderly people and out and about - but most importantly getting them socialising.