Walking footballers set the pace at TNS

A total of 13 teams, from as far afield as Blackpool, Fleetwood and Rochdale took part.

And, following a fierce competition, Birmingham outfit Beechcroft were crowned champions after beating Leicester Silver Foxes on penalties when their final clash ended in a goalless draw.

Yet for organiser Shelly McGlinchey, it has always been less about the winners and more about encouraging fitness among the elderly.

McGlinchey, health and active lifestyle co-ordinator for the TNS Community Foundation, explained: "It's the third time in a couple of years that we've put the competition on.

"We began with five teams, then had seven but this time there were 13 sides involved. With 10 players in each squad, that is around 130 men – plus the one lady we had compete.

"It was really nice to see so many involved from different areas."

Walking football was first developed in 2011 for men and women aged 50 and over and has seen its popularity surge.

There are now more than 400 teams playing regularly across the country, with the number increasing on an almost weekly basis.

Played both indoors and outdoors the key difference to the normal game, as the name suggests, is that the sport is played at a walking pace and a free-kick is conceded any time a competitor breaks into a run.

At the TNS, the elements could not harm the day's entertainment with even torrential rain unable to derail the action.

McGlinchey continued: "It was an atrocious day weather-wise. The wind and rain just didn't stop. But you should have seen their spirit. They were totally drenched from head to foot.

"The competitiveness was absolutely unreal. They were like animals unleashed. Your will to win grows with age. It is a fantastic thing."

The idea for the festival was born from the popularity of weekly sessions, organised by McGlinchey at the club.

Tournament rules state each squad may contain two players aged between 35 and 50, though only one can play at a time.

Any players under 50 must have a physical disability, or be recovering from an illness or operation. The matches were 10 minutes in length.

There were three pools that led to a semi-final and final, while a Consolation Cup was held for those who didn't qualify for the semis.

Rochdale Strollers claimed that trophy after seeing off Shrewsbury WFC 2-0.

McGlinchey, who used to work in neurological care before taking on the role at TNS, spoke of her pride in being able to offer fitness, sport and entertainment to the elderly community.

She added: "They almost created the job for me, the community foundation wanted to reach out more to the over-50s. I feel very lucky and privileged to do what I do.

"Everyone I meet is always so grateful. I go the extra mile, but that's just the person that I am. You can see it in their eyes and on their faces, how happy they are. It drives you on.

"A lot of times their wives are watching and the feedback is amazing. It really helps them and gets them out and about. It's a lifeline to some of them."

The weekly walking football sessions are every Thursday from 8-9pm at Park Hall Stadium.