England over-75s manager wants to fight prejudices

The team faced Wales at St George's Park

The player manager of England's over 75 football team has spoken about encouraging older people to do more sport and fighting prejudices as the team plays its first game.

Ken Pollock, who is from Pevensey Bay in East Sussex, was part of the 14-man squad which faced the Wales over 75 side at St George's Park - England's training base - on Wednesday. He said England won 7-1.

The two teams played a 90-minute, 11-a-side game on a full-sized pitch.

Mr Pollock, who used to live in Hythe in Kent, said: "What this is about is demonstrating that people of 75 plus can play running football."

The 76-year-old said he hoped to ease pressure on the NHS by encouraging older people to take part in sports.

He said he believed the game was the first international over 75s match ever played.

The team, who have a combined aged of about 1,000 years, and were chosen after a trial, all pay to play out of their own pockets so more money can go towards the younger squads.

Mr Pollock said between 70-80 players took part in the trial for the side

Mr Pollock said he experienced “absolutely enormous” pride representing England in other age groups, including the over 70s, and that the hairs on his neck stand up when he hears the national anthem.

BBC Radio Manchester host Mike Sweeney, who was selected for the squad, talked about his excitement ahead of the match.

Mr Pollock said he heard of a group of over 80s who played football in Japan and was hoping to create a team in that age bracket in the future.

"We will keep going until the English casket 11 is playing the Welsh casket 11," he said.