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Jul
Harrogate’s over-70s walking football team to compete in national cup finals
The men’s over-70s team at Harrogate Strays Walking Football Club has secured a place in the Walking Football Association National Cup Finals following victory over last year’s runners-up, Blackburn Rovers.
The regional and national finals will be held at Nottingham University on September 5 and 6.
Walking football is a slower-paced version of the beautiful game. Matches usually last for 40 minutes, with two equal halves of 20 minutes each.
Running or jogging is penalised with an indirect free kick for the other team, and repeat offences result in a trip to the sin bin. Only a limited amount of touch is permitted, and there's a ban on contact and slide-tackling.
In a dominant campaign, the Strays gained promotion to Greater Manchester Walking Football League Division 3 after coming top in the North Cheshire League Association with a 32-point cushion.
Over-70s GMWFL May 26. Photo: Paul Rogers
The team remained undefeated this season, sitting comfortably at the top of GMWFL Division 4 with a 13-point lead.
The outstanding performance was built on a foundation of resilience, fitness, teamwork and strict discipline.
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