Thetford walking football team gets ready to kick-off

A Labour Thetford town councillor who is setting up a walking football team for the town has been given cross-party help for his new venture.

Councillor Chris Harvey first came up with the idea to set up a team for the over 50s about three years ago.

He said: "I was watching a programme on television about getting older people more mobile and socially involved- it talked about over 50s playing walking football.

"There is a thought that when you get older the only sports you can play are bowls and things but with a large piece of Thetford's population being over 50 this seemed a very healthy option for our town."

After a conversation with Kirsty Turner of the Thetford Bulldogs Football Club, she got involved by loaning the newly-formed team a pitch and helping with the administrative work of setting up the side.

But it was not until a chat with one of his fellow town councillors, Conservative member Mark Robinson, before a council meeting that gave the team a big boost.

He said: "I mentioned my idea to Mark and he said he played five-a-side football and would like to sponsor us.

"I believe that on our council we have record of cross party involvement on several issues which it how it should be for the benefit of our town."

Cllr Robinson has already given the teams two sets of bibs ready for their first session at the Charles Burrell Centre playing fields at 1pm on Saturday.

He said: "As an avid sports fan I’m thrilled to support walking football, the benefits for participants goes beyond physical, helping with their general health and well-being."

The newly formed side is currently looking for players who are aged 50 and over to join and help kick-off the new team.

For those wanting to join, email chris.harvey11@btinternet.com in advance. It is £2 a player and they will need to bring trainers, shin pads and water.