Football: Rochdale Walking Football Club players represent over 70s North West Squad

Steve Colesby and Bill Charlton from Rochdale Walking Football Club over 70s NW squad

Steve Colesby and Bill Charlton, who are members of Rochdale Walking Football Club (RWFC), have been selected to represent the North West over 70s team. The 6-a-side North West team will play regional teams throughout the UK and players from various teams will be chosen to form an England squad.

Steve and Bill have been active members of Rochdale Walking Football Club for the last five years and were selected for North West over 70s team from over 50 applicants after attending two trials in Wigan.

Steve Colesby said: “We’re really pleased to represent the over 70s North West team and we’re keeping our fingers crossed that we may be picked for the England squad.

“I started playing walking football about five years ago and it’s been a great experience for me and a number of the other guys who had not played competitive football for many years and some who thought they never would again.”

Rochdale Walking Football Club, who work closely with Link4Life and Rochdale AFC, participate in many local and national tournaments with some considerable success.

Last year Rochdale AFC Strollers, one of the RWFC teams, were undefeated whilst representing Rochdale Football Club in the EFL over 60s national trophy and reached the finals played at St. George's Park, the home of the full England Team.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/4/sport-news/118822/football-rochdale-afc-strollers-runners-up-in-walking-football-cup-regional-finals

Paul Gardner, Programme Manager Health & Wellbeing for Link4Life, said: “This is a great result for Steve and Bill and we’re wishing them the best of luck throughout the tournament.

“It’s fantastic to see over 60 people a week, of all ages and abilities, taking part in Walking Football sessions throughout the borough.”

If you wish to try the game for yourself, you can contact Paul Gardner of Link4Life on 01706 926235 or Keith Hicks at Rochdale Football Club on 07958 593121.