Huddersfield Town

Instead, they were playing the second leg of their match against Scarborough Barons.

Huddersfield Town’s Community Manager Rob Day explained how the match was arranged:

“I received a phone call from a member of the Scarborough Barons who had seen our walking football sessions in the media.

“As a result, we arranged a home and away match with the first game played on the 25 March ahead of the Middlesbrough match, which they stayed and watched. The second match was played earlier this week which Town won 12-10.

“They provided food and we are now planning to make the match an annual event.”

Town’s Walking Football sessions are held at the Zone on St Andrew’s Road and have seen the likes of Andy Booth take part. The sessions are run by Rob and the rest of the Football in the Community coaches on Tuesdays at 11am.

The match against the Scarborough Barons was the first time that Town’s walkers have taken part in a competitive match:

“Our players loved playing against different opposition and you could see that they have formed a real bond and become a good group of friends. When the sessions first started they were all strangers to one another, but they now enjoy socialising outside of football.

“The Scarborough trip was the first one of its kind for our walkers and we will look to run similar trips in the future; we are also planning on taking the group to Huddersfield Town away matches next season.”

Jim Mitchell of Barons Walking Football Club commented:

"The second leg of our match with Huddersfield Town was held at Scarborough Rugby Club played over 5 x 15 minute sessions with six per side and interchanging players at each interval. 

“The game was played in a very sporting way with Huddersfield running out eventual winners. The match was followed by an excellent lunch provided by the rugby club. Everybody from Scarborough thoroughly enjoyed the day and we hope that the format can be repeated in the future."