A group of footballers who make up England’s over-75s side is gearing up for a match against Germany to mark the 60th anniversary of the country’s only World Cup win.
The team, known as the Silver Lions, have worked alongside 1966 World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst as part of preparations for the game on 30 July at Boundary Park, Oldham.
“It’s normal football, 11-a-side, on a full-size pitch, same rules as always and it’s exciting and enjoyable at our age to still be involved in football,” said team member Johnny Molloy.
The 77-year-old’s niece Tracy Willits, a lecturer at the University of York St John, organised the game as part of a documentary she is making.
“It’s always fascinated me that at that age people are playing that level of sport, so I thought it would make a nice documentary,” she said.
“I had a word with the Germans, they were up for it and now it’s built up to this massive occasion and quite frankly I am very nervous about it, but I am also very excited,” she adds.