Walk this way!

FIRST TEAM: Oldham’s over-fifties walking football sqaud is raring to go.

RUN, run, run — but if you do you’ll end up in the sin-bin!

For I’ve been trying my hand at walking football for the over-50s, which is starting to take off in Oldham.

Having heard about the benefits and despite being a few months short of the magic age, I had little hesitation in trying out a session when invited by Age UK’s Dale Newton.

I was always going to enjoy it, but playing the game at walking pace is frustrating.

The natural instinct is to chase a loose ball or a measured pass, but if you do, ref Dale will send you to the sidelines!

But the health benefit for over-50s is unquestionable. The well-organised sessions certainly get the blood flowing. It’s a terrific way for the more ‘experienced’ sportsman to keep fit.

Delph’s John Bee (58), who played a good standard of football in Hanover in Germany as a youngster, swears by it.

He said: “I had a heart attack last April and these sessions were recommended as part of my rehabilitation programme. I’ve not felt as well for a long, long time.

“I feel fitter as a result of the sessions, I get a good sweat on. You do want to run, though. It drives me mad sometimes.”

Age UK’s Oldham Sports Centre walking football sessions have been held on Monday afternoons (1pm-2.30pm, £3) for eight weeks.

Age UK’s Dale said: “Since we started in Oldham they have grown from strength to strength. We have between 14 and 16 participants each week and they all enjoy it.

A weekly walking football session is also held at Hathershaw College every Thursday (8pm-9pm, £3). For more details email: dale.newton@ageukoldham.org.uk or see the website: www.ageukoldham.org.uk