New football craze is a stroll for goal at Shropshire sports centre

The relatively new initiative is continuing to take off across the country, including here in Shropshire.

The scheme is aimed at keeping people aged over 50 involved with football, which in turn helps keep them fit and boost their social lives.

The Maurice Chandler Sports and Leisure Centre in Stoke Heath, near Market Drayton, has been the venue for a weekly kickaround that has been running since September 16 and attracts about eight people a week.

Members admit that many are sceptical when they first arrive. Five-a-side is usually about adrenalin rush.

But after a gentle warm up and a game most newcomers become hooked.

Dennis Wright, co-ordinator of the Market Drayton group, said: "What you get from it, apart from exercise, is enjoyment.

"But exercise is obviously important and we all need some exercise.

"It's nice to try something different than things like gardening. It is great fun and the people who come here every week like it.

"What we have got here is a good warm-up session which gets us ready for the game.

"We play indoors here, out of all that weather, on a good pitch.

"There are great facilities at the centre and we get great support from the staff."

Mr Wright, 75, from Market Drayton, added: "I think we first heard about walking football from Age UK. We saw it in operation in Shrewsbury and though that's for us.

"We are keen for more members. Our aim is to have enough players to be involved in a league and competitions in the future."

Jamie Brookes, of Audlem, near Market Drayton, attended one of the sessions for the first time this week.

The 44-year-old said: "It is great fun and very beneficial.

"It did surprise me how much fun it was. It also surprised me how competitive it was and how competitive I was.

"I think one of the key things in this game is to be careful with your passes. One of the most difficult things is stopping yourself from running."

None of the walking football sessions in Market Drayton are taken too seriously

It's a great way to keep fit, learn skills, have fun and socialise all at the same time.

The Market Drayton group currently meets for an hour on a Tuesday at the Maurice Chandler Sports and Leisure Centre, which costs £3.

If anyone is interested in attending on that day or on any other days, contact Mr Wright on (01630) 652569 or the centre itself on (01630) 638508.

Anyone who needs help with transport is also invited to contact Mr Wright.