WALKING football is proving a move in the right direction for thousands of men over 50 whose goal is continued enjoyment of their sport.

However, it is also proving to have many health benefits – both physically and mentally – for those taking part in this popular version of the beautiful game.

Bolton has several walking football teams and the USN Bolton Arena is about to launch the town’s first walking football league at its Horwich venue.

There, the sport first began in 2015 and has grown to three, weekly sessions – Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Friday mornings – attracting regulars from 54 to 74.

“The players have been keen from the start,” said the Arena’s football manager Marcus Brown.

“At first, just a handful of people came but it grew and now we have 15 to 24 at each session.”

Playing regularly has “reinvigorated” not only the players’ interest in the game but also the players themselves. “In fact,” added Marcus, “it’s grown so much that we have taken on extra staff.”

The seven, nine or even 11-a-side matches last 25 minutes each way and have slightly different rules from regular Association Football. “Running” is defined as two feet off the ground at one time and is not allowed, neither is serious tackling and there is little or no bodily contact.

“They also all gather afterwards in the Arena for refreshments,” said Marcus, “and they are a really sociable group, including anyone new.”

As well as boosting mental health, walking football can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke while improving blood pressure.

There are often positive changes in postural balance, bone density and improved reactions whilst slashing the odds of suffering Type 2 diabetes.

Dr Wirin Bhatiani, chairman of Bolton’s Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), is a fan of this kind of exercise for the over 50s. “There are a lot of men who have played football since they were teenagers or younger and who still want to play,” he said.

“Unfortunately, as they get older, muscle mass reduces and they are more at risk of injury. Walking football provides an excellent way of improving cardio-vascular health and maintaining football skills. It offers short bursts of activity which increases the heart-rate and, like all exercise, is very good for us especially as we get older. I would certainly encourage people to take part.”

Walking football has changed the life of men like Dennis Cudahy, from Horwich. He is 49 and had to give up his job as a gas engineer because of a heart problem.

“I used to play football seven times a week but football had to go when they discovered my heart problem,” he explained. This proved a real blow for Dennis “but I heard about walking football and started playing at the Arena 12 months ago. It’s brilliant – I just love it!”

Dennis, a goalkeeper, is not only much happier to be back at his sport but also has lost weight and reckons he's much fitter.

David Tonge, aged 60, played football from being at school, in local leagues and throughout his working career on the railways. Now retired, he had a triple heart by-pass in 2005 and accepted his football career was over.

Two years ago, however, he saw a TV advert for walking football, went along to the Arena, and started attending the weekly sessions. Today, more than a stone lighter and fitter than he’s been for five years, he plays regularly and loves it. “It’s been fantastic playing and meeting people from football I’ve not seen for 30 years as well as making new friends,” he stated.

Playing football has never stopped for David Mort. The avid Bolton Wanderers’ fan started 60 years ago aged seven. A year and a half ago he also discovered walking football. “It’s a great game – skilful and very sociable,” he stated.

David, a car dealer who plays for BWFC FA over 60s’ team, is a skilful striker. In fact, he’s been invited for trials for the national over 60s walking football team “and if I was chosen for England,” he said, “that would be absolutely fantastic!”

For more information about walking football go to www.boltonarena.com or ring Marcus Brown on 01204 488106 or contact the Walking Football Association at https://thewfa.co.uk