Walking football 'is special', says world champion

Stuart Langworthy first got involved with walking football after a hip operation

The manager of England men's over-60s walking football team says retaining the World Nations Cup is a "dream".

Stuart Langworthy, from Gloucestershire, led the team to victory during the two-week celebration of inclusive sport in Spain.

England men's over-50s also successfully defended their title at the tournament.

Mr Langworthy said: "Becoming world champion in your sport is a dream for a lot of people, and to do it twice is just crazy."

The England men's over-60s walking team defended their title in Spain

The 64-year-old said he got involved in walking football more than a decade ago after a hip replacement operation made it impossible to play like he used to.

He runs a session for 40 people with physical impairments at Abbeymead Rovers in Gloucester.

"I get as much pleasure out of that," he said. "Nobody is judged. They are challenged to do what they can.

"When people tell you that walking football has changed their lives, or even saved their lives, you know you're doing something really special," he added.

England teams sing the national anthem at the second walking football World Nations Cup

Walking football is played by about 100,000 people in England.

The first World Nations Cup tournament was held at St George's Park in Staffordshire in 2023.

This year's competition welcomed men's over-70s, women's over-40s, over-50s and over-60s, with England winning five of the six age groups.

There were also friendly matches for others, including a Parkinson's team.