Hungerford Town walking footballer receives Ireland call-up

Hungerford Town’s Walking Football side now have an international player within their ranks.

Jim MacLeod was called up for the Ireland Walking Football side this month, much to his surprise.

“My grandfather was Irish,” MacLeod explained.

“Because of that I was able to trace roots back and apply for Irish citizenship, to cement that heritage within the family.

“A friend who is involved in the Irish squad mentioned it to me and wondered if I’d be eligible.

“Out of the blue I got contacted and asked for confirmation of my bloodline.

“And I was told that because I’ve reached the ripe old age of seventy, I’m eligible for that 70+ category.”

MacLeod made his Ireland bow at the weekend, taking part in the England Walking Football International Invitational 2024, held at the Valley Stadium in Redditch.

The Hungerford player reflected on his walking football journey and the benefits of the sport.

“We’re still enjoying football,” he said.

“The oldest guy I’ve played against is 83.

“The great thing about it is the social interaction that you get.

“You come across people from all walks of life, but the common denominator is a love of soccer.”

Walking football is truly for all abilities, with Hungerford fielding sides for both men and women of various ages.

“I was a parks footballer in my youth, but it was never to any great standard,” he explained.

“Walking football is a great leveller when it comes to skillset, it’s just about the enjoyment of it.

“I picked up walking football about five or six years ago with Highworth Town.

“Then I relocated to Oxfordshire and got involved with Oxford United, who have got a really strong walking football club, and I enjoyed league and cup success with them.

Hungerford’s operation is going from strength to strength, thanks to significant support from Hungerford Town Football Club.

“At Hungerford we have a beautiful new 4G pitch at John O’Gaunt School which we use on Monday nights.

“We’re getting a settled team of over 50s and over 60s where we could quite easily pick a team.

“We’ll be looking at the Wiltshire League or the Thames Valley League… I think it’s just a matter of time.”