By Paul Nicholson
July 2 – If Sepp Blatter is looking for something to do when he finally hands in his FIFA presidential mandate we think we may have found just the activity in England’s Newcastle upon Tyne.
The city’s impressive Elders Council, which organises activities for the elderly (no specific age or term limit defined), has been running a series of very successful competitive Walking Football sessions.
The Toon Army, as supporters of the Magpies are known, are a passionate and partisan bunch who, when it comes to ageing remain a passionate and partisan bunch who love their football. Perfect teammates for FIFA’s passionate and partisan president. Though, despite his multi-lingual fluency, he may need a crash course in Geordie to communicate.
Sessions at the Blue Flames Sporting Club are held twice on Tuesdays where all that is required is £3 and a pair of trainers (we are sure Adidas could stretch to supplying Blatter a pair). There is a further session in a local park that is free to attend.
Advertised as a “sociable sporting crowd of older guys”, the Walking Football sessions have been remarkably successful with up to 60 individual participants aged mainly 50-70 years old (the oldest being 84).
Steve McLaren, Newcastle’s new manager, has not been seen in the area scouting but the word on the street is that he is missing out on a unique depth of talent and invaluable football experience (and opinion).
In a wider context, it has been suggested that FIFA should adopt Walking Football as one of its competition disciplines, widening its participation base perhaps with a World Cup.
After all, FIFA is big on doing things for younger people, how about doing something for older people apart from putting them on committees.
H’way Sepp, gan on doon son. Beats dancin in yer office.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1735002062labto1735002062ofdlr1735002062owedi1735002062sni@n1735002062osloh1735002062cin.l1735002062uap1735002062