Blackpool FC Community Trust’s Walking Football team competed in the EFL Walking Football National Finals on Saturday at Aston Villa’s training complex.
The team won the national title last year at St George’s Park after beating Nottingham Forest but The Seasiders were knocked out in the semi-finals this time around.
Blackpool were pitted in the group stages against some tough competition. The first fixture saw the Trust’s Walking Football team take on Colchester United, which finished 0-0 in a tense affair. The Seasiders then sealed three consecutive 1-0 victories against Luton Town, Bradford City and second place Notts County which resulted Blackpool finishing top of the group stages.
The semi-final saw the Tangerines take on Kidderminster, which was a stalemate – two good teams cancelling each other out. Penalties loomed for both teams but it was heartache for Blackpool as Kidderminster sealed a dramatic 16-15 penalty shoot-out victory.
Blackpool FC Community Trust’s Inclusion Officer, Owen Coyle said; “It was a fantastic day despite the semi-final heartbreak. It is great to see a group representing the town & club who regularly attend our weekly sessions which is obviously paying off. I’d encourage anyone over the aged of 50 to get involved and give it a go.”
For more information on Blackpool FC Community Trust’s Walking Football programme, call (01253) 348691.
