In Ludlow, age is proving to be no barrier for two remarkable individuals, Bryn Jeffries, 76, and Peter Morgan, 85, who are not just talking the talk but also walking the walk every week at Ludlow Town’s over 50’s walking football club sessions.
Jeffries, a former semi-professional footballer from Australia, made his mark as a star striker before continuing his passion for the sport even after emigrating to Germany with his wife Margaret as one of the famed ‘ten pound Poms’ in the 1970s. Meanwhile, Morgan, a tenacious midfielder for the Duco Rovers, once caught the eye of Stan Cullis’s Wolverhampton Wolves during a trial.
The duo’s dedication to the game has not waned over the years. Jeffries and Morgan, both pioneers of walking football in Ludlow since its inception in 2015, now lace up alongside their fellow players, including Morgan’s son Stuart. Beyond their adept footwork on the pitch, they serve as beacons of inspiration, highlighting the importance of maintaining physical and mental well-being, and offering a listening ear when needed.
Their commitment is emblematic of a larger trend seen in walking football communities. A recent survey conducted by Walking Football Scotland revealed the remarkable impact on participants’ lifestyles, with significant improvements noted in fitness levels, weight management, flexibility, mental health, and social connectedness.
As Jeffries and Morgan continue to demonstrate, it’s not just about talking or walking – it’s about doing both simultaneously, showcasing the enduring power of sports to enrich lives well into the golden years.