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:

“You get this adrenaline burst playing and you really enjoy it. It’s very competitive. It all came back. It helps your fitness, physical fitness and mental fitness as you get older, and there’s a social side of it.”

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.

“We sing the national anthem and every time the hairs bristle on your neck. I’m so proud singing that.”

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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.

“I’m 74 and in good health. I don’t see why I shouldn’t play until my 80’s unless my legs start giving way. I still enjoy it. You still get that buzz.”

Lawrie paid tribute to his late wife for believing in him.

“My wife died in 2020, she was really ill and persuaded me to carry on with my singing and football. I’m eternally grateful to her for that.”

He added:

“We were staying at friends once and I fell out out of bed and the bed was quite high up. My wife said, ‘what are you doing?’ I told her I was just scoring a goal for England at Wembley in my dream.

“I never thought I’d one day be playing for England!”

Harrogate Town is inviting people to join their walking football team to help boost physical and mental health.

Walking football is a twist on traditional football that is played by people who have mobility or other issues.

It’s generally played by the over 50s although the majority of players with Harrogate Town are in their 60’s, with some even in their 70’s.

The club has a 50’s team and a 60’s team who both play competitively in the Northern Premier League and they also play friendlies with clubs throughout Yorkshire and the North East, both home and away.

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The club holds sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Rossett Sports Centre. There are different sessions to accommodate players of all ages and abilities, including those who are new to the game.

Harrogate Town walking football player Andy Town said:

“I decided to call it a day at the age of 62 after a football injury. When my wife said ‘why don’t you try walking football?’ I responded as I imagine most old footballers might react, with a mixture of incredulity and mirth.

“After giving it a go, I found that like ‘real’ football it can be played at different levels, from slow and social to fast and competitive. I’ve met lots of interesting people and made a whole new group of friends.”

Would you like to give walking football a try? Email community@harrogatetownafc.com or htwfc2020@gmail.com