Rochdale walking footballers selected to represent England

David Brooks, Alan Thompson and Terry Williams

Three walking footballers who play for Rochdale AFC Walking Football team have been selected to represent England.

Dave Brooks has been selected for the England over 65s squad after already representing England at under 60's level.

He said: "I’ve been involved for 3 years, first as an over 60s player and now as an over 65s player.

"My last tournament was in Chesterfield and I have previously played in Sweden, Italy and France.

"My next tournament is in Norway in March 2025. I have had great support from Rochdale walking football club and Rochdale AFC Community Trust."

Terry Williams and goalkeeper Alan Thompson have been selected for the over 75s squad to play in the Walking Football World Cup in Sweden in July 2025.

Terry said: It’s a massive privilege to represent your country and I’m delighted to have the chance to do so and I’m looking forward to playing in the world cup next July in Sweden.

Alan said: "It is an honour and a privilege to have been selected to play for England's over 75's Walking Football team in Norway in March and at the Walking Football World Cup in Sweden in July. To represent your country at any level is wonderful, but without the support of Rochdale Walking Football Club it would not have been achieved."

The Rochdale AFC Walking Football team was established in 2014 and has grown to incorporate various teams that cater for people based on age and ability.

Sessions take place across the borough with fixtures organised in the Greater Manchester Walking Football League.