Triple champions need a world cup!

After strolling to glory in Europe at the end of last season and being crowned champions of England in October, Bay's over 50s side beat Scotland and Wales in Hartlepool on Sunday to become British champions.

Proud officials called it a "fantastic day" for the Kent club after they beat Scotland's Montrose FC 3-0 in the final with an opening goal from Neil Brown and a Dave Gilham brace.

Keeper Nick Denly, father of Kent and England batsmen Joe Denly and Bay boss Sam Denly, kept a clean sheet throughout the tournament which saw Bay beat Wales twice and Scotland 1-0 to reach the final.

Herne Bay director Ron Boddy said: "It's been a fantastic day. Unfortunately, there is no World Cup to go on to but we will have the defence of three trophies to look forward next season.

"We will have to organise some friendlies over the winter to keep things on track and, of course, some of these players will be playing for the over 60s Herne Bay side in their national championship in two weeks time."

He added: "That fact alone makes this over 50s treble success even more remarkable."

The Bay's triple champions came out on top at the 2016 Walking Football United National Tournament in Cirencester to become English champions after lifting the Almelo City Cup at the end of last season in Holland to earn their European honours.

Walking Football, the increasingly popular slower-paced version of the beautiful game aimed at the over 50s, has more than 500 teams playing around the UK. As the name suggests, anyone who sprints, runs or jogs while the ball is in play is penalised.

Image courtesy of Herne Bay/Ali Petts