AT THE age of 50, after years of playing competitive football, Bryan Watson could have been forgiven for hanging up his boots. But this was a game he loved and, although he admits he was long past playing at amateur level, there was no reason competitive football could not still be a part of his life.
Bryan organised a meeting of like-minded players in 1999 and, although nothing formal came out of it, it did lead to a series of friendly matches that resulted in the inaugural season of the Hull and District Veterans' League in summer 2001.
Over the next 12 years, the initial six sides taking part has increased to more than 30, based all over East Yorkshire.
Even now, aged 64, Bryan can still be seen showing off his skills on a Sunday for his County Road Veterans football team.
"Like any game, you either love it or you can't stand it," said Bryan, who is one of the oldest players in the league.
"I was playing from under-15s and have played it right through.
"It has become habit, I think. I also like the fitness aspect.
"I enjoy it if the games are enjoyable. If you don't play well, you wonder about packing it in. But then next game, you find you are back out there putting the nets up."
Bryan will have to play until he is 70 to match now retired Arthur Frisby's record of playing in the Hull and District Veterans' League.
"There are certainly a few more aches and pains than when I played when I was younger," said Bryan.
"I keep saying I will retire, but who knows?"
Bryan did have his doubters when the first league, which has since increased to three leagues, began.
"I was long past playing amateur football in my late 40s, early 50s," Bryan said. "You don't want to get run ragged by a 20-year-old.
"The only choice was retirement, as there was not really the choice to continue playing 11-a-side.
"At first, people thought the veterans' game wouldn't catch on. Nationally, only the veterans' and ladies' games are currently growing."
But, given their advancing years, do the players go easy on each other?
"They are very competitive games," said Bryan.
"We are in Division Three and we don't get an easy game. It is hard to tone it down.
"You compete for every ball. It's not one of those things where you say, 'After you, you have the ball'."
The game is open to anyone aged older than 36.
Jeff Klarik, the league's secretary and treasurer, said: "I think veterans' football is attractive because we don't play every week. It is usually fortnightly.
"The game has certainly increased and spread as far as Goole, Driffield, Hornsea and South Cave. Probably one-third of the teams are Hull-based and two-thirds from outside Hull.
"It keeps players in touch being still able to play."
Unlike the amateur game, where substitutions are limited, at the veterans' game, it is a rolling subs system, so you can make as many as you want, however, you are only allowed six people on the bench.
"It allows people to take a breather," said Jeff.
"There are some pretty damn good players and a few ex-pros playing."
Among these are John McDermott, who played for Grimsby for 20 seasons, and former Hull City stars Tim Hotte, Adam Lowthorpe, Andy Flounders and Justin Whittle.
Jeff said: "This league is for people who thought it was beyond them. It gives people the opportunity to continue playing football.
"Your brain says get into the tackle, even though your body says no.
"This is an opportunity to resurrect your football career."
