Proud walking footballer Pete Moss has added another landmark to his sporting CV after being selected for the first-ever match featuring an England over-80s team.
The Hitchin resident, who is a regular at Stevenage Football Foundation sessions in Letchworth and Stevenage, scored twice as England hosted the inaugural FIFWA Walking Football World Nations Cup at the FA's training base at St George's Park in Staffordshire.
The event involved 19 countries with games at over-50 and over-60 levels.
But Moss was part of a squad of 10, selected after trials in May, that made up the over-80s squad who played an England over-75s team in an exhibition game.
The match finished in a 2-2 draw.
Walking football is reckoned to be the fastest-growing sport in the UK, and after originally being established for players over 50 who wanted to carry on pulling on their boots, it is still expanding to cater for as many would-be footballers as possible.
To promote inclusion and diversity, the event also staged exhibition matches featuring England Parkinson's, England Transplant and England Over-40s women.
Moss said: "Walking football is an enjoyable way to maintain health and fitness - neither gender nor age is a barrier.
"You get to meet new people who enjoy taking part, there is banter, laughter and a spirit of camaraderie, and the team at Stevenage are very welcoming to anyone who wants to join in."
He wasn't the only Hertfordshire representative at the event though as Harpenden's Jonathan Sinfield was selected to officiate.
He took charge of six group games as well as one quarter final, Canada's 1-0 win over Northern Ireland, and the third and fourth place play-off between Italy and Spain, the Italians winning on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
Sinfield, who trains twice a week with Watford Walking Football Club and in the months leading up to the tournament ran a 5k four to five times per week in addition to undertaking a first aid course, noted his step count exceeded 10 miles a day whilst officiating the 40-minute matches.
England were successful in both competitions, beating the Czech Republic on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the 50s tournament and securing a 3-0 success against France in the 60s.
Find out more about the wide range of football sessions on offer online at www.stevenagefcfoundation.com or call 01438 222222.
To find out about walking football in your area, got to www.thewfa.co.uk/club-directory/
The game is open to both men and women typically, but not exclusively, over the age of 40.
There are specialist clubs that actively support players with Parkinson's and other impairments.
