A WALKING football club aimed at the over-50s has bagged the perfect sponsor.

Menswear and apparel company Old Guys Rule UK, which is based in north Devon, is now backing Troon AFC Walking Football Club.

Walking football tends to be aimed at the over-50s age group and, unlike regular football, the over-head height restrictions and indirect free kicks ensure that the sport is played safely with consideration to the participants’ age.

The teams are smaller too, with either five or six players per side.

As a result, these rules games are played at a slower pace, thus reducing the threat of pain, discomfort and injury, with players briskly walking through matches.

This allows people who have loved the sport all their lives to once again safely and get back to playing. It also introduces the sport to people who perhaps have never considered playing before.

Chris Jones, coach and chairman of Troon AFC, said: "According to the Walking Football Association we are the third biggest club in the UK, outstripping even Manchester City, and we have only been running a year.

"A lot of the team wear Old Guys Rule clothing off the pitch, so we are thrilled to be wearing their brand on the pitch too.

"The Old Guys Rule sponsorship is so valuable to us, not only for the current team, but they will also help us take that next step into getting the word out there to more people of an unmentionable age, that walking football is for them and that it can make a real and positive difference to their lives."

Jim Wilson, director at Old Guys Rule UK, said: "Like many people, I’ve only recently learned how popular walking football is and I think it’s a great way for the over-50s to get and stay fit, plus, we all know that physical exercise helps with mental health too.

"We were honoured when Troon AFC contacted us about sponsorship and we jumped at the chance to support such an inspirational team.

"Two of the team's over-70 year olds have even been invited to trial for the England Squad and we felt we really had to get on board with these guys; they epitomise everything that we, as a company, hold dear and they are showing everyone that Old Guys Rule!"

For anyone interested in learning more, information can be found at troonafcwalkingfootball.com or https://thewfa.co.uk/