WHEN he was setting up the town’s first walking football team, coach Neil Morley knew exactly where to recruit his elite athletes.

“He gave me these leaflets and told me to hand them out in pubs and to people who looked like they need exercise!” said 66-year-old team member Tony Murnaghan.

Walking football, a slower version of the sport for players over the age of 50, might not demand peak physical fitness from its sportsmen but make no mistake, these footballers are champions.

Livewire WFC were crowned the winners at Cheshire Walking Football festival last month, even though the squad of around 25 players only got together nine months ago.

Former Manchester City player and Livewire coach Neil said: “The banter is just as good as the physical aspect. It is a full contact sport, the only thing you can’t do is run – it’s an immediate free kick if you do.

“It gets the men out the house and one player told me he is going home a friendlier person to his wife and kids because he’s getting some exercise.”

Games are usually five or six a side and the sport is ideal for men or women with joint problems or health issues.

Tony Divan, 70, joined the team after spotting an advert in the dentist and said: “My family are very proud after we won the cup and I think they want me to keep healthy.

“You have got to be fit and well to keep up with them and now I play mini Olympics with my grandchildren.”

Ken Lewis, 70, said he first saw walking football on television and thought it was a joke.

He said: “Actually I was glad to find the team because I played football all my life and it’s hard to accept that you have to give it up when you get older.

“Every time you see a nice pitch you wish you were out there. Luckily you’re not playing against whipper-snappers here and the more you play, the better your reactions get.”

Livewire WFC’s players include former lorry drivers, technical writers and safety officers with ages ranging from 51 up to 72.

One of the first members, Tony Murnaghan, said: “A lot of people I used to play with started laughing at first but it’s actually quite difficult.

“It keeps me on my toes. I found it difficult to be motivated to exercise but this keeps you going.”

And it is not just the team’s players who are enjoying themselves thanks to the sport, as 70-year-old Mike O’Leary joked.

He said: “My son thinks it’s fantastic because I’m going to live longer so I can look after the grandkids. I just regret I didn’t start when I was 50!”

Livewire WFC was set up thanks to a grant from Active Cheshire and the team trains at Great Sankey Leisure Centre. For more information call 724411.