KEYNSHAM Walking Football’s over-70s team were crowned champions of the GFA Over 70s Walking League thanks to a 1-0 win in the last match of the season against Weston-super-Mare, who had led the league for most of the season.
The deciding goal was scored by top scorer Paul Alway from an assist by Phil Sheehan. Previously that day, they had beaten Merthyr and Bristol United both 1-0 and drawn with Bournemouth 2-2.
This is the second time the over-70s have won the title in four seasons.
The squad was (pictured, back row, left to right) Rob Eadsworth, John Mead, Chris Beak, Bob Garland and Lindsay Jacobs; (front row) Paul Alway, Chris Ashton (player-manager), John Dare and Phil Sheehan.
The club recently presented Keynsham and Saltford Dementia Action Alliance with a cheque for £1,000. The photograph (courtesy of Pete Ricketts) shows Merrial and Mike Knight receiving the cheque from chairman Mike Slucutt.
The charity (keynshamdaa.co.uk) is eight years old and runs twice-monthly Music for the Mind sessions in St Dunstan’s church hall in Keynsham.
The sessions are free, so they rely on donations such as this. They are open to anyone who is living with dementia, although they have to be accompanied by a relative, friend or carer.
The walking football club now holds twice-weekly, slower than normal, sessions at which players with dementia can attend.
