A former director and supporter of the Club for over 50 years, there was no one better placed than Joe Ford to represent the Club’s Walking Football Team.
Joe is now a key figure in running the Business Club and is one of the unsung heroes behind The Exiles.
Explaining the Walking Football project, Joe said: “Walking football was originally organised for people over the age of 50 to still have an active part in the game. We have a Monday session inside and on a Thursday we go outside – both sessions are an hour.
“We have players of all ages, the oldest player is 81 so it’s a great camaraderie within the team. It involves people from all walks of life which really brings the team together.
“Generally we have about 20 people per session so we split into three groups of seven. Everybody comes from different walks of life and it’s vital that we keep going.”
While the scheme was set up as a bit of fun, Joe says there is a still a competitive streak within the players.
He said: “I think anybody still involved in sport will have a competitive streak so of course we try to find the right balance between that and having fun. It’s really good because some thought they would never play football again but they do now and it’s really enjoyable.”
“We feel like we are representing Newport County and I think that message is portrayed through the first team right to all the teams involved with the community department at the club.”
READ MORE ABOUT THE WALKING FOOTBALL TEAM