The last time I played football was 12 years ago with a bunch of taxi drivers in Peru. Say it quietly, but I’m also now closer to being 50 than 40. I love my sport, so when I learnt about a new football-playing group starting within the community, I was keen to give it a go, but did initially wonder whether being so out of practise (and out of shape) would mean I’d just end up making a fool of myself on the pitch. Talking to some of the others, I was not alone in feeling this, but we needn’t have worried.

There’s a clue in the name of the group; The League of Ordinary Gentlemen. Whilst the group’s founder, Gordie Woollacott, borrowed the name from a ten-pin bowling documentary, it is a group for ordinary players (very ordinary in my case!) After a few local groups petered out, Gordie started his own, simply to enjoy kicking a ball about again, to have fun and keep the ‘Dad bod’ at bay.

With that motivation and through the power of social media the group was born, playing at Heathfield School on Tuesday evenings from 8-9pm. It costs £3 a session, which is a bargain for an hour of enjoyment, and the only equipment you’re recommended to bring with you are some astroboots.

I can certainly say it’s been great to strap those boots back on, kick a ball around and start to lose some of those COVID pounds. What I’ve enjoyed most, however, is the spirit in which the game is played. There is a recognition that none of us are superstars and when you mis-control the ball or a shot flies high over the bar (again!) there’s none of the sighs of frustration or critical comments from teammates that you might get if playing at a higher level. It’s accepted that we are just ordinary players, having a simple kick about.

Skill level and fitness isn’t a barrier. Being unavailable every week isn’t a barrier. The invitation to join is open (via https://www.facebook.com/groups/250041022538837 or call Gordie on 07719 634 846). If you’re a serious player you may prefer to look elsewhere, because this is a group for everyone (you don’t even need to be a gentleman!) and the ordinary.