Watch: New game is no walk in the park for Telford group
It's a fresh February morning down at the Bucks Head. A lively wing-back spots an opening down the right flank, and pings over a cross towards centre-forward David Lovegrove, who bursts the back of the net with an opportunistic shot on target, writes Shropshire Star head feature writer Mark Andrews,
At 58, David would probably be described by his peers as "young and hungry". The oldest man on the pitch is 73-year-old Roy Hudson, from Hutchinson Way, Ketley, although sometimes older people come along.
Roy explains that he cannot see without his glasses, and he's probably not as quick as he was in his youth. But it's no problem. Running is against the rules anyway.
We're at the Age UK Walking Football group in Telford, where 14 men of, well, mature years, meet up every week whatever the weather for a leisurely kick-about with friends.
"There were some days when there was frost on the ground, and they thought we wouldn't be able to play," says Allen Mantle, the wiry 66-year-old goalkeeper.
"But we played anyway, the sun came out and it soon melted."
Allen is now the club secretary, joining shortly after the group was formed in November last year.
Walking football is the latest keep-fit craze sweeping the county. As well as the Telford group, there are also similar clubs in Shrewsbury and Oswestry.
"Sometimes we have to use two pitches because so many turn up," says Allen, who is a Wolves steward and has also played cricket in the Shropshire County League.
The Oswestry group, run by the town's community foundation, has proved so popular that it has had to increase the frequency of its sessions at the Park Hall to twice a week.
Shelly McGlinchey, who runs the sessions, says: "The Senior Saints comprises men over the age of 55, giving them a chance to meet new friends and get some exercise whilst having a lot of fun.
"With smaller pitches and plenty of breaks, all the normal football rules still apply and everyone is welcome to come along and get involved.
"The slower pace doesn't detract from the competition though and it's much more than a stroll in the park."
Back at the Bucks Head, Allen admits he was a little sceptical to begin with.
"A few of us thought it sounded a bit strange, 'walking football', but it's really brilliant," says Allen, of Severn Walk, Sutton Hill.
"It's about the banter, they're a great bunch of lads, it stops you being stuck at home bored. I hadn't played football since I was 16."
And there is certainly plenty of humour. When stocky centre-half Francis Lannon is hauled down early on in the game, he acrobatically rolls over in a Klinsmann-style protest.
"I've been coming from the start," says the 54-year-old cleaner from Shifnal.
"It's given me a new lease of life. I played football when I was a kid, but it had been years since I last played."
Before the game, founder member Roy Vincent leads the players in a vigorous warm-up routine around the centre-circle.
"Let's all stretch those muscles," he shouts as he elongates his body, like a silver-haired Mr Motivator.
Roy, who is 65, and fellow founder Pete Cossie, are the driving force behind the Telford group.
"We found they were doing it in Shrewsbury, so we got in touch with Bella Sohi at Telford Age UK, and we set it up here."
So how do they enforce the "no-running" rule?
Roy Hudson says: "It enforces itself, really, if somebody sees you running, they will shout over at you.
"It's difficult, because when you see a ball, it's the most natural thing in the world to run with it.
"We've got no referees, but everyone respects the rules, and there have never been any injuries here."
It is only Roy's second week at the group, and already he is hooked.
"It's brilliant, I hadn't played football for 20 years until last week," says the retired manager at the Goodyear tyre plant.
"They're such a good set of lads. I love football," he adds, before rolling down his sock to reveal the Wolves tattoo on his ankle.
Hilary Knight, deputy chief executive of Age Concern Telford & Wrekin, said it was decided to form the group to get men more interested in keep-fit activities.
"It's often very difficult to get men involved in our normal fitness activities, and we thought this would be a way of getting them involved."
Allen is keen to point out that it is not just for men, though.
"Before Christmas we had three women coming along, they were very good. They were not footballers, they were walkers, but they came along and really enjoyed it."
It quickly becomes evident that the "no running" rule is not that strictly imposed, and the game unfolds at quite a lively pace. And it is actually quite infectious. Standing on the touchline, watching the ball whizz past, it is hard not to get caught up in all the fun and join in.
The Telford group is open to men or women aged 50-plus, although the Shrewsbury and Oswestry groups are restricted to men aged 55 and over.
And the Telford group has just struck up a sponsorship deal with Wrekin Housing Trust to pay for their bibs. All the players need to do is turn up in old clothes and trainers, and pay £2.50 towards the cost of the pitch hire.
So who came out on top? Nobody seems to be sure, and nobody certainly seems very bothered.
"We don't bother keeping score," says Allen, explaining that it is not about winning or losing, but rather the friendship, fitness, and just an old-fashioned love of the game.
"If they ever need any new players at Telford United, they could do worse than have a look at us."
