82 year old Mike Herod isn’t letting him age stop him in his goals. Mike never expected to be representing his country in his eighties, but when he took up walking football a few years ago his talent in goal was soon spotted and he was selected to be goalkeeper for England in a national match!

A keen football player, and goalie since he was 10, Mike enjoyed playing socially throughout his 20s and thirties. A back injury sustained in his forties severely limited his levels of physical activity. Thanks to support from a physiotherapist, who he still sees today, Mike was able to restore his mobility.  However, his injury led to a long break from sport and physical activity for Mike. It wasn’t until he was in his seventies that he returned to the sport he loved when he discovered walking football with local club Lincoln Invictus.

Walking football for all with Lincoln Invictus

Lincoln Invictus, who play at Ruston Sports Centre in North Hykeham, was originally set up by Alan Lee. Alan formed the initial team with players that all met at the Heart Rehabilitation Unit in Lincolnshire. Wanting a way to keep active at their own pace, they formed Lincoln Invictus. From a small start with just a handful of players, and borrowed equipment, the club has grown to over 100 members. Alongside the mixed walking football, the club now offers ladies walking football teams and disability football.

Walking football is a slower version of the popular sport. It follows all the same rules as standard football, except players are not permitted to run or jog. You can ‘walk’ as fast or as slow as you like, as long as one foot is in contact with the ground at all times! Although tackling is allowed in walking football, it is non-contact. This makes it ideal for older adults or those with a health condition.

Mike currently plays at Lincoln Invictus on a Monday and Friday, as well as competing in the Lincolnshire and regional leagues. Taking part in walking football has improved Mike’s physical fitness, but he also highlights how important the social side of play is. Like many player taking part it supports his mental wellbeing and he appreciates the chance to take time for a chat after play.

“The best part is meeting lots of like minded lovely people each Friday and Monday, and enjoying a coffee together afterward!

Never to old to be active and reach new goals

Mike took up walking football simply to play socially, but he has gone on to compete at a high level in the sport. Alongside his teammates, Mike competes in the Lincolnshire Walking Football League and represents the Midlands in the regional team.  Whilst he was playing for the regional team, the England Walking Football manager spotted him and asked him to represent his country as a goalkeeper in a match against the Republic of Ireland!

“It felt surreal, but very thrilling at 82 to be playing for my country. It was also a little bit nerve wracking and I was a bit apprehensive, as I didn’t want to let anyone down. What was nice was that ten team mates from Lincoln Invictus drove to Evesham to support me. When I felt a bit down about letting in one goal at the end they really supported me and picked me up”.

The fact his team mates travelled to support him is testament to the real camaraderie amongst the players, and Mike points out that the club really is like a family. If anyone has problems there are always people available to chat about them with after the session.

As proud as he is of his amazing accomplishment, Mike stresses he never set out to compete at this level when he began walking football. Although there are other national level players in the club, with 3 female players who have played for England and Ireland, the vast majority of individuals take part to have fun playing a sport, keep active and enjoy a hot drink and a chat afterwards. Mike points out the club is very inclusive and has current members with all kinds of health issues; there are players with early onset dementia, those living with cancer and many who have heart problems. Everyone is welcomed and can play at their own level.

Mike is keen to encourage others to get involved in sport at an older age:

‘I believe that everyone has a chance to participate in sport at an older age….initial fitness is probably the key, but there are activities out there for all fitness levels’.

Find an activity you love

Find activities near you suitable for older adults, including other walking sports, such as walking netball and walking cricket on our Activity Finder.

You can also take a look at our Ageing Well pages for advice about keeping strong, healthy and active as you age.