AN 85-YEAR-OLD goalkeeper is set to represent Scotland after racking up a series of clean sheets as his team lifted a national trophy.
Pensioner Peter Collins was solid between the sticks as his Midlothian team triumphed 2-0 over Gretna in the Scottish Walking Football Festival, the sport’s equivalent to the Scottish Cup, at Glasgow Green.
His successful showing has led to his inclusion in a Scotland squad for an upcoming home internationals tournament.
It was a case of practice makes perfect for sprightly Peter, from Loanhead, as since taking up the sport after losing his wife he now plays six times a week.
“I just love it,” he said. “When my wife died I was at a loose end and my niece Vivian Wallace runs the Ageing Well project in Midlothian so she was keen to get me involved in the outings for older people.
“When walking football came up it was ideal for me because I love the game and had played in and ran football teams. The great thing about it is it’s not just the football but the camaraderie.
“We sit for half an hour after the games and have a good blether.”
Peter’s involvement at his age has turned him into the poster boy for the SFA’s drive to get more older people involved in the sport.
Midlothian’s recent triumph was a family affair as Peter’s son Douglas played alongside him.
Peter added: “The popularity of walking football is fairly growing. It’s really good for you.”
Enjoy the convenience of having The Sunday Post delivered as a digital ePaper straight to your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica.
Subscribe