VETERAN football players who enjoy a Friday night kickabout have applied for a grant so they can buy some goalposts.

The £819 bid will be discussed at next Wednesday’s Royal Wootton Bassett Area Board meeting in the Memorial Hall.

Nick Warren, a member of the Friday Footy Crew said in the application: “During my years at Swindon Academy I ran a number of ‘dads and lads’ activities and it became clear that when men get to a certain age football passes them by.

“A non-existent work-life balance, pressures of family life and unhealthy habits quite often lead to isolation depression and obesity.”

He joined the Friday night pay-as-you play session at the sports association ground when he was coming back from injury and could see the benefits it offered.

It became so popular a veterans’ section was formed within the FA Community Charter Club.

“The vets section is ready to thrive although some financial support is required.

“If successful in receiving some financial support from this grant any funds will be used towards the purchase of four aluminium goals.”

People who had joined included those who had not done regular exercise for some time, let alone played organised football. The squad had also competed in the Wiltshire FA Flexi League and played a number of friendly matches.

In the future it hopes to form a walking football section, raise funds for other community clubs and provide chances for players to coach youth teams.