A TEAM of footballers over the age of 60 are looking to kick on further after winning a national competition.
The Oxfordshire team beat holders Lincolnshire 2-1 in the final of the Over 60s National Cup last month, with 90-minute matches played on full-size pitches.
Sixteen sides entered the tournament, with Oxfordshire recovering well after losing their first two group games.
After scrambling to finish second in their group, Gloucester and Sheffield were beaten in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively, setting up a final against Lincolnshire.
A brace from Richard Anderson put Oxfordshire in control at half-time, and although the holders pulled one back quarter of an hour into the second period, Oxfordshire held on for victory.
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Kevin Bovington, who runs the team, told this newspaper: “The quarter-final and semi-final were amazing games, and an incredible experience.
“It was an immense feeling when we won, and a release of emotion that was absolutely huge.
“We’ve had to overcome quite a lot of difficulties, through Covid with the physical side and social side, and there’s a bond now among this group of players.
“We’ve had partners who have died during this time, and we’ve had bereavement to deal with, and we’ve provided support to each other.”
Oxfordshire players Chris Morris, Vince Conroy and Richard Anderson celebrate their success (Image: Richard Anderson) The idea for the national competition came from Bovington, with the Oxfordshire team pioneers during the coronavirus pandemic.
A group of players got together at Tilsley Park in Abingdon when the Covid-19 restrictions allowed, and from there, the popularity grew, with the Oxfordshire squad now boasting more than 50 players.
The county has also seen players chosen to play for the England Veterans at Over 60, 65, 70 and 75 level.
Bovington, 68, said of the process in getting to this point: “We couldn’t do anything else during those Covid times, and if there was an opportunity to play some sport, we took it.
“We knew a couple of counties had similar groups. The score didn’t matter, it was all about the camaraderie.
“We helped other places get into playing football, and suddenly we had more than 10 counties on board.
“I had the idea of making this a competition rather than just playing friendlies, and we were playing competitive football again.
“More and more teams are emerging now. We’re also seeing that a number of us are getting to the over 65 level, so it’s recreating itself at the next age level up.
“More players are getting trialled for England and getting the opportunity to show what they can do for the national team.”
If you would like to find out more about the team, please contact Kev.Bovington@gmail.com