THE golden oldies are back!

After the success of the LFA's inaugural Veterans Football League in the summer, a Winter Cup competition has been launched.

And organisers believe it has the legs to succeed.

A total of 12 teams from across Lancashire took part in the summer league held at LFA headquarters in Leyland and a further eight are currently playing in the Winter League at St Bede's High School in Blackburn.

Shaun Burke, the LFA's football development officer, has been delighted with the response which has proved you are never too old to play football.

"The summer league at the County Ground was a big hit and we are looking to make it an annual event and attract more and more teams.

"This is our first winter competition and it is great to be able to hold it in East Lancashire. Again, we have had a positive response and it is great to see veterans playing competitive football."

The two competitions have seen the creation of 13 brand new over 40s teams, engaging with over 150 players - most of which are returning back to the game after many years out.

Teams have received funding and support from the LFA in the way of brand new Nike kits, free affiliation, free league entry and free personal accident insurance.

Alder Vets were the winners of the Summer league with Euxton Villa runners-up. They winners received a free Nike kit and 10 Nike match balls along with free entry into next summer’s league.

Euxton are also playing in the winter league along with Blackburn side Whalley Range, Park FC from Burnley, Ribchester Rovers and Lostock St Gerard’s, Lancashire Constabulary, Fulwood Amateurs and Lancashire Rangers.

In the first round of fixtures at St Bede', Lancashire Constabulary ran out comfortable 6-0 winners against an understrength Lancashire Rangers team.

The second game of the evening saw Fulwood Amateurs, a new team to the LFA Vets competition, defeat Whalley Range in a very competitive game. But the game of the evening was between the summer league runners-up, Euxton Villa, and Park FC with Euxton narrowly winning 3-1.

For more information on our Veterans football opportunities and other formats of the game please contact Shaun Burke on 01772 624000 or shaun.burke@lancashirefa.com