Devon to host walking football event

Teams will compete across three age groups, 50+, 60+ and 70+

About 200 people are expected to take part in a walking football tournament in Devon on Sunday.

Devon Walking Football Club, which is hosting the event at Ashbury Resorts near Okehampton, said 24 teams from across the country were due to take part.

It said teams from Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, and the North East would take part in more than 70 matches across three age groups - 50+, 60+ and 70+.

Walking football is based on association football, but no contact or running is permitted.

The club said the tournament follows the success of an inaugural event in June, which drew more than 120 players.

"The tournament continues to serve as a platform for players aiming to represent their county – and potentially catch the eye of national selectors – while showcasing the values of walking football: fitness, camaraderie, fairness and respect."

The World Health Organisation said the sport has "a profound impact on well-being" where "participants often report reduced stress levels, improved mood and just feel younger".