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29
Aug 2021
Harrogate's 74-year-old walking football star dreams of winning World Cup
Harrogate Town and England walking football player Lawrie Coulthard dreams of winning the World Cup at the ripe age of 74.
He's been capped by his country three times in the emerging sport, which is a twist on the beautiful game that makes running a foul — do it three times and you get a blue card and placed in a sin bin for two minutes.
Lawrie had a career in the civil service and played for amateur teams in London until he retired aged 45. He thought he'd given up on the football buzz forever until he was persuaded to give walking football a try by a fellow member of Harrogate Male Voice Choir.
He said:
Harrogate Town's 50s and over 60s teams train once a week at Rossett Sports Centre and Lawrie describes his teammates as "a good set of chaps". He says you need quick feet and a sharp brain to prosper in the game, which is six-a-side and played on smaller pitches.
He made his England debut against the Republic of Ireland last year and hopes to line up when they play Wales next month.
Read more:
- Harrogate Town invites over 50s to join walking football team
- Harrogate Town coach launches football boots appeal for kids in need
Manchester will host the first-ever walking football World Cup next year, which Lawrie hopes England can win. He says he could carry on playing until his 80s.
Lawrie paid tribute to his late wife for believing in him.
He added:
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