VETERAN footballers are invited to part in a pilot Walking Football scheme that begins this week.

The ‘turn-up and walk-on’ initiative will initially run for six weeks at Roefield Leisure Centre in Clitheroe on a Wednesday night (9-10pm) startng on October 29.

It is for players aged over 50 and aimed at players wishing to continue or get back in to the game or simply those who want to keep fit.

It is being run by Lancashire FA chief executive Dave Burgess, 53, and 52-year-old Stuart Thompson who will both being giving it a go.

Burgess (below) is hoping it captures the imagination and it will turn in to a weekly league.

“There are quite a few of these Walking Football leagues across the country now and they seem very popular,” said Burgess.

“Myself and Stuart decided we would start one up ourselves and see how it goes.

“The response we have had so far has been very encouraging and we are hoping to have between 20 and 30 players there on the opening night. Ideally, we would like to maintain those kind of numbers if we were to run something on a more permanent basis.

There is a fun element to it but it is also a chance for us veterans to get out there and play and try and keep fit.”

Burgess said it is not as easy as it looks as the natural instinct is to run – but he has a secret weapon.

“Anyone who knows me would tell you I didn’t run very much when I use to play so I think I am made of this game,” he said.

“We are inviting anyone to just turn up and give it a go and see if they can play football at a walking pace.

“It won’t be as easy as it looks and we will have referees to make sure no-one decides to start jogging!”