Celebration for walking football win

North Lanarkshire’s triumphant walking football team was rewarded with a civic lunch after being crowned British champions.

The successful players and coach Alan Prosser won the Home Nations trophy earlier this year – and their success was recently celebrated at the event hosted by provost Jean Jones and council leader Jim Logue.

North Lanarkshire’s team represented Scotland at the July event after winning a 12-team tournament at Alloa’s Indodrill Stadium the previous month.

They successfully negotiated the group stages with two wins to reach the final – which finished 1-1, before Ian Hillon scoring a penalty shootout winner.

Ian said:“I got cancer in 2008 and then had a triple bypass. I used to enjoy playing football but worried I’d just have to sit at home after the operation.

“Walking football has saved me, to be honest. It helps you keep fit as well as having a laugh.”

North Lanarkshire Leisure football development co-ordinator Nicky Laughlin said:“They’ve done incredibly well to become national champions.

“Age is no barrier to keeping fit – being active is more important than ever to maintaining good physical and mental health, and walking football is a great way to do that while socialising.”

Walking football sessions run from 12 noon until 1pm on Thursdays at Airdrie leisure centre; they are open to players aged 50 and over and cost £3.

For details, email nicky.laughlin@nlleisure.com@ nlleisure.co.uk or call 01236 341968.