Manchester Walking Football 70s March 2019
Manchester Walking Football 70s March 2019
Manchester Walking Football 70s March 2019 was almost certainly the first over 70’s league in the country, unless anyone claims differently.
Seven teams competed on this great occasion for the septuagenarian walking footballers. The teams were, AFC Blackpool Senior Seasiders, Bury Relics, Man City, Mancom, Preston NE SW, Rochdale AFC Strollers and Tameside Striders.
The day seemed to go well by all accounts, although I didn’t see any action, with managing Manchester Corinthians in the 60’s league.
Due to the amount of fixtures in both leagues, the 70’s were limited to 10 minutes games, which at that age and playing six fixtures each was probably enough and it still meant an hours football for all teams. Due to the time limit on games, we expected to see a few scoreless draws. This proved to be the case, with fourteen 0-0 draws from the twenty one fixtures. The seven other games produced nine goals.
Division 1 Table March 2019
After this first session of the Spring league, Tameside Striders top the table on ten points from two wins and four draws. They look to be a strong side and after losing out on penalties in the June 2018 70’s Cup Tournament final, they must feel confident of maintaining their position at the top in this league, time will tell.
Two points behind the Striders are old rivals Rochdale AFC Strollers, managed by Steve Colesby. The Strollers won one and drew five of their fixtures and are a team never to be discounted when the trophies are handed out at the seasons end.
The Striders and the Strollers both had the highest scores on the day, 2-0 victories for both teams over Preston NE SW. The Preston side, despite two losses, also had two wins and two draws and are in third spot on eight points, the same as the Strollers but with an inferior goal difference.
Fourth spot goes to AFC Blackpool Senior Seasiders, on seven points with one win, four draws and one loss. Joint fourth, with the same results, points and goal difference to the Seasiders are Man City.
Bury Relics are sixth on six points, a point behind the Seasiders and Man City. The Relics recorded six scoreless draws today.
Mancom didn’t have a good day results wise with three draws and three losses and prop up the table on three points.
How did you think the day went, was it a good start to the 70’s league? Next up in the future, an over 75’s league?
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Wise words Steve Hyde. Paternal sentiments echoed too.
This was excellent to see and turning out as underage keeper for Preston it was an enjoyable day, to see so many 70 year old guys enjoying a game of football was fantastic. Hope the new over 70’s continues.
Another important day in the time-line of the GMWFL. The first, we think, over 70’s league. There have been a handful of Cup competitions, but this is a trophy won over 84 games involving seven teams. Great stuff Bill and Paul.
The first round of fixtures, as far as I could see, was played with great spirit and enjoyed by all. Thanks everyone.
Steve Colesby
The day went very well indeed in my opinion.
Organisation ran like a Swiss watch, there were no delays and I think we even finished a couple of minutes early! The level of competitiveness was for the most part sensible, certainly watching from the touchline.
Some might think games were brisk – indeed for septuagenarians it was rapid, but I saw hardly any instances of both feet off the ground ‘flying’ and I took about 350 photographs!
I’m confident, like you that is the nations first Over 70’s walking football league and the importance of this going forward should not be underestimated. Well done to all concerned, and on a more personal note, well done to our team for such a good start and thanks to all of our opponents. There are links to photo’s and video on our Tameside Striders website (Google Tamestriders). Thanks.
An excellent day of very veteran football. A delight to see fifty or so seventy year olds strutting their stuff. This is very poignant to me as my Dad (also a goalkeeper) died when he was only 71 and he would have loved to see this new age of football take off like it has.
Well done to Bill and his team for getting this groundbreaking league started and we all wish it the greatest success. Everyone is looking forward to April. The results don’t matter, being there and taking part is a true reward in itself.