The NI Walking Football Federation, in conjunction with the IFA, hosted its first international walking football tournament at Londonderry Park, Newtownards on Saturday 24 February 2024. There were two age categories; Over 60s and Over 70s. While the NI Over 60s have had some tournament experience over the past year this was the first time that our Over 70s squad featured. Teams from England, including the Over 60s World Nations champions from 2023, and the Republic of Ireland provided the opposition. The games were all very keenly contested and played in the sporting manner for which walking football is renowned.
Both England and Republic of Ireland fielded two teams in the 60s category. Two very close encounters with the England sides resulted in narrow defeats, while in equally tough games against the Republic Ireland the NI 60s came away with two creditable draws. England won the 60s category and underlined again that they are the top team in the world. However the NI 60s can take great encouragement from their battling performances and renewed confidence from the experience of playing against the very best.
In the 70s category England were once again the winners, defeating the NI 70s 1-0 in the first game and 3-1 in the second game. In the second game NI led 1-0 and looked like claiming a historic victory but succumbed to a few sucker punches in the last five minutes. Against the Republic of Ireland the NI 70s came away with two very impressive victories, 1-0 and 2-0, and finished runners-up in the tournament, which was an amazing achievement at the first time of trying.
Manager Gary Barclay is proud of the way that both the 60s and the 70s approached the tournament, the hard work and training sessions they attended, their performances on the day and believes it is a great start to the 2024 season.
Next up for the 60s and 70s are games against NIWFF champions BraveHEARTS at Grosvenor Playing Fields on Friday 22 March at 10.30. Supporters would be most welcome.
For anyone wanting to take up the game of walking football feel free to contact NIWFF Secretary, David Lemon, at squeezy.lemon@btinternet.com and he will put them in touch with the nearest NIWFF clubs.
Source and pics credit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/602931127880903/
Author: The Walking Football
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