Workington football enthusiastic Derek Stephenson has reluctantly had to pass up the chance of representing England.
Derek had been selected to play in an England trial for the Over-80s Walking Football team which was being prepared for a World Cup tournament later in the year.
But the 80-year-old West Cumbrian has had to inform the organiser that he will be unable to take part because of a severe bout of sciatica.
“It’s been really bad and there’s just no way I would be able to take part. I haven’t been unable to do any sporting activity for about two months.
“I have told Danny Ward, the chap who got onto me originally and there was a North v South game set-up for later this month.
“I’m having treatment but it would be unfair to say I would play and then have to pull out because it was no better,” he says.
“A few years ago I did have a trial for the Over-70s but it was the third session and I think the squad had already been selected after the first two,” he says.
Derek’s brother Bob was a professional with Notts County, and he expects there will be some ex-pros involved in the side.
Derek’s love of football developed from a young age on the Marsh and Quay, then at Lawrence Street School and Newlands School.
He has played for numerous teams over the years including Workington Reds A, Marsh Boys, Town Boys and particularly remembers a very good British Steel team of which he was a member.
There have been several Sunday League sides, too, and recalls his last one-off appearance was a few years ago at the age of 73 when he helped out a mate’s team in the Workington Sunday League.
“I’ve always loved my football and in later years walking football has been terrific for us older ones,” he says. “I hope I don’t have to call it a day.”
