Champs honoured by civic luncheon
North Lanarkshire scooped the British crown
North Lanarkshire’s walking football team have been rewarded with a civic lunch after being crowned British champions.
North Lanarkshire Provost Jean Jones extended the invite to all players and coach Alan Prosser in recognition for winning the Home Nations Trophy.
Team members were joined by a number of dignatries including NLC leader Jim Logue.
The council’s deputy leader Paul Kelly said: “The walking football team have some inspirational stories of overcoming health problems to become national champions and on behalf of North Lanarkshire Council, I would like to add our congratulations.”
Having triumphed at a 12-team tournament at Alloa Athletic’s Indodrill Stadium in June, they were selected to represent Scotland at the Home Nations Tournament in July.
Team NLL successfully negotiated the group stages to reach the final after winning two games.
The final proved to be a tight affair, finishing 1- 1, but NLL triumphed on penalties with Ian Hillon scoring the winner.
Ian said: “I got cancer in 2008 and then a triple bypass at the Golden Jubilee Hospital.
“I used to enjoy playing football but I was worried I would just have to sit at home after the operation.
“Thankfully I was told about walking football and it’s saved me, to be honest. It helps you keep fit as well as getting the chance to have a laugh.”
Nicky Laughlin, football development co-ordinator with North Lanarkshire Leisure added: “Congratulations to the team, they have 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 our walking football is a great way to do that while socialising with like-minded friends.”
Walking football sessions run from noon until 1pm every Tuesday at Broadwood and Thursday at Airdrie Leisure Centre, and are open to players aged 50 and over at a cost of £3 per week.
This includes tea and coffee at the final whistle.
To find out more, visit www. nlleisure. co. uk phone 01236 341968 or email nicky.laughlin@ nlleisure.com@nlleisure.co.uk.