A FOOTBALL fan has fulfilled his dreams of playing for England in a World Cup winning team – at the age of 69.
John Crampton, from Mappleborough Green, plays for Birmingham Walking Football Club (BWFC) and was part of the England team in the International Super Vets 5-a-side World Cup Football Tournament held in Swansea.
The squad of eight from BWFC, which included Redditch brothers Derek and Malcolm Thorpe, as well as Keith Phipps, Dave Burgess, John Limborne, Barry Huntington and Del Whitmore, were victorious in their endeavours.
After drawing 1-1 with Scotland, beating Wales Vets 1-0, Wales Yma O Hud 4-0 and Canada 3-0, the England team went on to secure victory in the final against the host team representing Wales (Swansea City) with an impressive 4-0 win.
John said: “There was me as a youngster, always dreaming of playing for England – and here I am at the age of 69 having done just that.
“As well as me, there were the two Thorpe brothers from Redditch in the team too – so it was a bit like reliving England 1966 with the Charlton brothers. It’s an amazing achievement – we’re over the moon.”
Walking football more closely resembles the five-a-side than 11-a-side game and was invented to inspire men over 50 to get more exercise and counter social isolation, and now thousands are rediscovering the joys of football by playing it at a slightly more leisurely pace.
John, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer some years ago, took up the game in 2015 after his son recommended that it might aid his recovery.
“I went to one session and just loved it. It’s much more energetic than you’d think and since I started I’ve lost weight and I really feel amazing,” he said.
“Walking football is perfect for people like me, who think they’ve hung up their boots for good. There isn’t the risk of injury in the same way and the pace – although quite quick – is much more manageable.
“The social side of it is brilliant too.”
Over 65s walking football category was a first for the tournament organisers, who have been running international competitions all over the world since 2009.
England manager Paul Murtagh said: “After the recent disappointments suffered by the over 50s, this victory was even sweeter, I’m over the moon.
“I felt our preparation was good, the team adapted well to different rules and overcame some quality opposition.
“Every man played their part and did everything I asked of them. They can all be very proud of themselves and have proved they are a force to be reckoned with.”
Visit http://walkingfootballbirmingham.co.uk/ to find out more about the sport.
