A Preston bus driver is proving that age is no barrier to sporting success after representing England in the first international walking football fixture for women aged over 65 on International Women’s Day (Sunday 8 March).

Sue Baines, who drives buses for Stagecoach Cumbria and Lancashire, laced up her boots to play for England in a landmark over-65s women’s international match against the Celtic Nations at Castle Vale Stadium in Birmingham.

Sue, who will celebrate her 66th birthday later this month, competed against over-60s teams from Wales and the Celtic Nations; an amalgamation of players from Ireland and Scotland.

She helped England secure three victories on the day, including scoring a goal against Wales’ over-60s side.

The lifelong footballer has also recently represented England in an international fixture against Spain in Malaga and continues to travel widely to compete in tournaments across Europe.

Sue, who will celebrate her 66th birthday later this month, competed against over-60s teams from Wales and the Celtic Nations; an amalgamation of players from Ireland and Scotland.
She helped England secure three victories on the day, including scoring a goal against Wales’ over-60s side. — Pic credit: England Walking Football

Sue said: “I have been playing football all my life. I started out in the North West women’s football league between 1978 and 1995, but a serious knee injury forced me to stop.

“After a total knee replacement in 2017 I decided to try walking football and joined Blackburn Rovers’ walking football team in 2020. I play in the Bolton Arena league and this year we won the Division One title.

“I was spotted and asked to trial for England over-60s and was successful. We train in Birmingham every month and I’ve played in tournaments in Amsterdam, Portugal and Spain.”

Sue’s football calendar remains busy, with tournaments planned this year in Devon, Nottingham, Glasgow and Sweden, culminating in the Masters World Cup in Wales this August.

Away from the football pitch, Sue has spent more than two decades behind the wheel as a professional bus driver, including two spells with Stagecoach in Preston and Fleetwood.

She currently drives services from the Selborne Street depot in Preston, balancing her work with training and international competition.

Sue added: “Walking football is a fantastic sport that is growing rapidly, especially among older players. It’s great for mobility, social interaction and friendship, and it has helped a lot of people stay active.

“My plan is to keep playing for as long as I can. I still get a huge amount of enjoyment from it, and I’m very grateful for the support of my colleagues at work.

“Even becoming a pensioner isn’t going to make me hang up my boots just yet.”

A mother of three, Sue was born in Poulton-le-Fylde and now lives in Darwen. She is also a season ticket holder for Manchester United Women.

Source: https://www.lep.co.uk/community/driving-england-over-65s-women-forward-super-sues-special-goal-5624985