OLDER players have rekindled their passion for soccer at a slower pace.

A group of over 50s enthusiasts kicked off Widnes Walking Football Club in 2015.

The game has proved so popular, an extra session has been launched.

One team is now preparing to compete in an over 65s competition in Benidorm in May this year.

Former member Bill Smith took the sport to Australia when he was visiting relatives.

Halton Cllr Phil Harris, board member for sport, said: “Lifestyles change as we get older and people often say ‘I’m too old for exercise’, ‘I’m not fit enough for sport’ or ‘I’m worried about injury’.

“Many loved playing football in their younger years but most have given up by their late 30s.

“It’s never too late to get started on a more active lifestyle. You do not have to be sporty or super-fit to join walking football and everybody has a laugh.”

Walking football is a slower paced version of the real game aimed at the over 50s.

Players can only walk or speed walk to play the ball and there is minimal or no physical contact.

Research has shown that leading an active lifestyle can add six years of life expectancy for a man and five years for a woman.

Halton Council’s sport development team initially started walking football with free taster sessions at Kingsway Leisure Centre in 2013.

The club now has almost 50 members and started extra sessions to accommodate a waiting list.

The team reached the semi-finals of the FA People’s Cup in Manchester

and some of the over 65s have reached the finals of other competitions.

Walking Football is open to men and women over 50 and has attracted many players over 70.

It’s a great way to keep fit, improve health and meet new friends.

For more details call Paula Parle on 0151 511 8550.