A FOOTBALL-MAD grandad is defying the odds of his age by taking on teenagers with the team he loves - despite being 63.

Pontypool Town AFC chairman Patrick Kearns also played in the over 60s Welsh squad but was forced to quit that last year after suffering three mini strokes known as transient ischaemic attacks.

The Tesco security guard hoped to become a PE teacher but was forced to abandon his chosen career after becoming temporarily paralysed in the neck and waist three times during a stint with fellow Torfaen club Blaenavon Blues AFC in the seventies.

But he won't let that stop him turning out for his beloved club Pontypool - whom he joined 14 years ago - even against twenty-somethings at the peak of health.

He said: “I only play when we are short. I have just been lucky. I’ve managed to play all my life.

"The reason I started to get involved with the game was that I was enjoying it so much. I give back what I can.”

Mr Kearns is a football referee, plays five-a-side football twice a week and sits on the subs’ bench at Pontypool Town.

He played 75 minutes during a Gwent Central Division 1 clash against Crickhowell at Pontypool Town football ground on Saturday.

The team were beaten 7-1 by Crickhowell, who are currently top of the table, but his 28-year-old son Sean said he felt his dad had done all right.

l Are you a sixty-something still playing competitive football or rugby? Call our newsdesk on 01633 777226