John, 89, getting his kicks from walking football
Youth football legend John McSherry is proving age is just a number after returning to the walking football pitch at the age of 89.
The East Kilbride Youth Club stalwart, recognised last month for his services to the club at their 50th anniversary celebrations, is a member of the local ‘Geriha tricks’ team and tuns out for the team at the Ally McCoist Sports Complex.
A Greenhills pensioner is proving age is just a number after returning to Walking Football at 89.
John McSherry, who many in the town will know as an East Kilbride YC legend, takes to the pitch every week at the Alistair McCoist Complex to play for East Kilbride Gerihatricks.
Walking football, as you would expect, is a slower version of the beautiful game where players walk instead of run and is generally played on a five-aside pitch.
It has increased in popularity in recent years as it allows people to get fit easily and maintain an active lifestyle, regardless of their age or fitness.
Players taking part in the sport have seen many benefits including lower blood pressure and rate, as well as better mobility. And John can testify to that. “My wife was telling me I was being too lazy and to get up and do something, so I did,” said John, who plays in midfield.
“Walking football keeps you fit and being able to play helps me walk and stand easier.
“It’s good to get up and out of the house instead of sitting down all the time. “It’s great fun but it’s not easy. “A new boy came into the team the other week there and fell on his bum three times, so we all had a good howl at that.
“It’s something I never expected to be doing, but it’s great to still be playing at my age.”
John spent the last year out of action due to injury and still has to take it easy.
He added: “I was out for a while with a hamstring injury, but sometimes you just have to get on with it.”
The Gerihatricks are proving popular with membership continuing to grow and currently they have 55 players across the club’s teams.
Just last month, the over 65’s reached the Scottish Cup Final, losing to Kirkcaldy on penalties, and are currently second in the Walking Football League.
Gerihatricks player Pat Irvine, 71, is delighted to see John back among the squad and explained just how much the game means to older footballers in the town.
Pat, from Gardenhall, said: “We all think it’s fantastic John is still playing.
“Even the times when John is injured, he’ll still come up and watch the games. He comes to the nights out as well and he’s really good company.
“He’s not lost his appetite for the game or a good laugh anyway.
“He’s still got good control of the ball and can pass it well, too.
“It’s great for all the players involved.
“There’s guys here who have had triple heart bypasses and survived cancer. Many of them felt they were sitting around waiting to die until this came along, but it keeps them active and gets them out of the house.
“We are getting new members all the time, so it’s great to see it going so well.”
Many people felt they were sitting around waiting to die until Walking Football came along