Jim walks his way to footballing award
A SPORTSMAN from Sapcote was praised for his commitment to playing walking football.
Jim Reed, 76, was named FA Mars Just Play Player of the Year, for faithfully attending Leicestershire and Rutland County Football Association’s sessions.
The sessions are twice a week, with around 30 players attending regularly.
Walking football is the same as the standard version of the game, but played at a slower pace, allowing older players to continue playing.
Jim started attending sessions at Holmes Park in Blaby after seeing a television advert about the sport.
He said: “There’s not many places men can meet in a sporting atmosphere that’s not in the pub.
“So it’s great socially, there’s plenty of banter – normally aimed at me – with the added bonus of keeping fit.
“We’ve got a Walking Football group on Whatsapp and there’s plenty of banter. Walking Football certainly has a positive effect on our lives.”
Jim is the oldest of his group, which has entered into tournaments and has been able to field two teams.
Despite once suffering a broken hand while playing in goal, Jim never missed a session at Holmes Park this year, and his commitment has helped him overcome personal health issues.
The sport celebrated one million attendances this year, at sessions up and down the country, with the awards recognising the on-going efforts of participants, teams, the centres that host the games and organisers.
The FA Mars Just Play programme launched in 2011, and has become one of the fastest-growing initiatives encouraging adults to get active and play football.
Fay Longdon, Leicestershire & Rutland county FA football development officer, said: “We are all extremely proud of Jim’s achievement.
“His commitment to our Holmes Park Just Play session has been fantastic and I’m glad that he has received the recognition he deserves.
“This is our second winner in two years, as Mal Baker picked up the same award 12 months ago. I’d also like to congratulate Nade Townsend, who was nominated for this category but just missed out on an award.”
More information about walking football is available on the Leicestershire FA website, or by emailing fay.longdon@leicestershirefa.com.