Two local company directors represented England last week in a Walking Football World Tournament held at St George’s Park.

David Cafferty scored the winning penalty in the inagural World Nations Cup final on Saturday, August 26, for the England over 50s team.

David and Barry Gavahan own D.E.S Group in Capricorn Way, Blackburn, a facilities management company recognised for quality and innovation.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Friend of David and Barry, Tony Jones, also won playing for England in the over 60s team which also claimed the title on home turf.

David said: "Walking football is a growing thing that started six or seven years ago.

"I have been playing for four years, Barry has been playing for two and Tony for six.

"We've represented regions in the past and now represented the country. People don't realise but it is actually quite a big thing!"

Lancashire Telegraph:

This is the first Walking Football World Tournament to take place, with 16 nations from all over the world in each category, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Australia.

It took place at St George's Park, home of England football, with the host nation triumphant in both age groups.

England over 50s defeated Czechia on penalties after the game ended 1-1, while in the over 60s tournament the Three Lions thrashed France 3-0.

The Blackburn stars also support and sponsor rehab walking football team 'LADs UNITED', formed during the COVID-19 pandemic in the summer of 2020, with the primary objective to 'offer an opportunity for guys of any age, fitness level or ability to continue playing the game they love'.

Barry and David also play for Blackburn Creative Walking Football, setting up a rehab walking football session at Witton Astroturf every Thursday morning from 10am to 12pm, aimed at people with Parkinsons and other neurological problems.

The sessions are relatively new, but have already been featured on Sky Sports and the BBC. 

Lancashire Telegraph:

As the name suggests, walking football is almost identical to the normal game, except any movement other than walking is strictly banned.

It has become a popular way for older people to keep active and playing the game they love just at a slower pace, reducing the risk of injury.

This was the first World Nations Cup to take place.

In the over 50s cup were Australia, the Basque Country, a combined Caribbean team, Czechia, Egypt, England, Italy, Japan, Jersey, Nigera, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, and Wales.

In the over 60s, Australia, Basque Country, Canada, combined Caribbean, Czechia, England, France, Italy, Japan, Northern Ireland, South Korea, and Wales took part.