Northern Ireland welcomed teams from across the British Isles earlier this month for its first major international walking football tournament.
Hosted by Northern Ireland Walking Football Federation (NIWFF) in partnership with the Irish FA, and supported by Belfast City Council, the two-day event took place at Midgley Park on 5 and 6 June.
Teams representing Northern Ireland, England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland competed in three age categories: Over 60s, Over 65s and Over 70s.
While England emerged as winners in all three categories, the Northern Ireland squads produced a number of impressive performances and positive results throughout the tournament, continuing the progress made by the local walking football programme in recent years.
The event marked an important milestone for the development of walking football in Northern Ireland and provided an opportunity for players to compete at an international level while strengthening links with the wider walking football community.
Northern Ireland team manager Gary Barclay praised both the tournament and the performances of the home nations squads.
He said: "I was absolutely delighted with how successful the tournament was. It was particularly pleasing to see the continued progress and success of our three age categories.
"Their performances reflect the hard work, dedication and passion within our squads, and they are a credit to the wider walking football community in Northern Ireland.
"The strength and competitiveness shown across all age groups highlight just how much the game is developing.
"I would like to thank all the players, organisers, volunteers and supporters who made this tournament possible and helped showcase Northern Ireland."
The tournament also highlighted the wider benefits of walking football, which continues to grow in popularity across Northern Ireland.
As well as providing opportunities for people to remain involved in football later in life, walking football can help improve fitness, mobility and confidence while offering important social connections and wellbeing benefits.
The event attracted support from a number of guests, including Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and the High Sheriff of Belfast, who attended Midgley Park during the tournament.
Anyone interested in finding out more about walking football in Northern Ireland can visit the NIWFF website.
