Andy Hobbs from Solihull was forced to end his high-flying career on medical grounds and could not have imagined being asked to represent his country
A Solihull dad of-two who was forced into early retirement on medical grounds ended up playing football for England.
Andy Hobbs had to end his high-flying career in 2018, four years after receiving a diagnosis for Parkinson’s.
Andy, 59, discovered walking football as a way of socialising but soon took to the sport, which is a slower-paced version of the game and ideal for people who struggle with mobility.
In 2023 Andy was invited to trials in Solihull and Liverpool and subsequently offered a place on the England walking football squad.
Most recently he travelled with the squad to Tampa in Florida for an advocacy tour where they played a team from South America and the US.
BirminghamLive met Andy at Birmingham Walking Football Club where players spoke of the group’s “invaluable” impact.
“The exercise is clearly good for everybody but if you join a club like this you’ve instantly got a support network of all these people you see behind me, which is invaluable,” said Aston Villa fan Andy.
Players togged up in scarves, thermals and even a flat cap took to the pitch to for their hour-long session at Beechcroft Sports Club in Hall Green.
Most participants have varying degrees of Parkinson’s and come from across the region, from Redditch and Worcester to Solihull and Birmingham.
With the youngest player in their late 30s and the oldest at 76, some broke into a light jog and others stuck to walking.
CONTUNUE READING at source: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/i-forced-give-up-work-30983560
Author: The Walking Football
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