Blackpool Senior Seasiders Club Secretary and England Walking Football international Steve Hyde recently travelled to Belfast after receiving a recall to the England Over 70s squad.
Steve was brought back into the national setup as a goalkeeper due to the unavailability of his former England Over 65s colleague Alan, meaning another international adventure awaited.
The trip began with a challenging 3.30 am start from Blackpool, not helped by Steve’s travelling companion accidentally booking airport parking at Manchester Terminal 2 — despite the flight departing from Terminal 3!
After what Steve described as “a brisk 20-minute walk across Manchester Airport,” the North West and North East regional players linked up before boarding the early flight to Belfast.
Following a short journey into the city, the squad arrived at Windsor Park — home of Linfield FC and the Irish FA national stadium. The players were treated to a full stadium tour, including the dressing rooms and a visit to the small but very informative museum.
The Home International tournament itself was organised by the Irish FA and featured Over 60s, 65s and 70s teams representing:
- England
- Northern Ireland
- Republic of Ireland
- Wales (Over 60s)
- Guest England Over 75s side
England entered two teams in each age category.
Steve played for the England Whites squad, while the England Blues featured several of the country’s most established walking football players, including:
- the long-serving England number one goalkeeper,
- The current England captain from Blackburn,
- and “Mr Walking Football” himself, Spencer Prutten — top scorer at 50s, 60s and now 70s level.
Results
Friday
- England Whites 5 Republic of Ireland 0
- England Whites 0 Northern Ireland 0
- England Whites 3 England Over 75s 0
Saturday
- England Whites 0 England Blues 0
- England Whites 2 Republic of Ireland 0
- England Whites 1 Northern Ireland 1
- England Whites 0 England Over 75s 0
- England Whites 0 England Blues 0
All matches were played over 25 minutes.
England Whites finished the tournament:
- Played 8
- Won 3
- Drew 5
- Lost 0
- 7 clean sheets from 8 games
The Whites finished runners-up overall, with England Blues taking the title after recording five wins and three draws — including two draws against Steve’s side.
Steve praised the hospitality shown throughout the weekend:
“Fabulous hosts and very welcoming — especially the local taxi drivers! The Irish FA even laid on a buffet for around 120 walking footballers. Can’t see that happening from our English FA!”
A delayed late-night return flight meant Steve finally arrived home at around 1 am on Sunday morning.
Despite the lack of sleep, Steve described the tournament as:
“A great weekend and one that memories are made of.”
Everyone at Blackpool Senior Seasiders congratulates Steve on another England call-up and another outstanding tournament representing both club and country.
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