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Walking Football Association chiefs have named the management teams for the two newly-formed England Walking Football teams. Paul Murtagh from Birmingham Walking Football Club takes charge of the Over-50s while the Over-60s manager is Stuart Langworthy of Abbeymead Rovers Football Club in Gloucestershire.

Murtagh’s assistant is David Norton and David Castle takes on the role of first-team coach. Langworthy’s deputy is Chris Keirl, with Vic Vaines as coach.

Commenting on his appointment, Murtagh, 44, said: “I’m immensely proud to have landed the role. I think it’s quite brave of the WFA to appoint someone of my age as it is perceived as an older man’s sport.

“I’ve taken great pleasure in seeing the effects that Walking Football has on people and I have the passion and desire to help as many people as possible. Those supporting me have a wealth of experience and they will have instrumental roles to play.”

Langworthy, 56, said: “I am thrilled to be offered the role of manager for the England Over-60s Walking Football team”.

“Having seen the impact the game has had on so many people, it is an absolute honour and privilege to be involved in the game at the national level and I hope that the squad we select will become ambassadors for the sport.”

WFA chief executive Paul Carr said: “We are delighted that we have found two very professional, experienced, successful and passionate management teams to take the competitive side of the sport forward.

“Our aim is to showcase the sport with entertaining quality Walking Football, with the target of becoming the first winners of the European Nations Cup in 2019 and the World Cup in 2020.”

Photos of Paul Murtagh and Stuart Langworthy attached. For any further information, or to arrange an interview, please contact Nick Johnson via email: info@nickjohnson.tv or phone 07970 284848

The WFA
Author: The WFA