Hull grandad Tony Sproats has just become a European footballing champion. The former teacher was part of the England Over-70s side that lifted the European Cup in Cardiff, playing proper competitive football against some of the best players in Europe still fit enough to lace up their boots. Tony is showing no sign of stopping, and, before anyone asks, no, it isn’t walking football.
Tony, dad of three and grandad of six, was the only player from East Yorkshire in the England squad that became European champions in June. The team of over-70s still run, tackle and throw themselves into challenges while representing their country – something the retired Hull teacher says requires a fair amount of work just to keep his body cooperating. And a recent injury did not dull Tony’s spirit.
Three years ago life looked very different for Tony, when he completely ruptured his Achilles tendon and wondered whether his playing days might be over. He has since battled thigh problems linked to the injury. But instead of stopping, he recovered, got himself back onto the pitch and went on to do something he never managed in his younger days – pull on an England shirt. He and his teammates in the English Veterans Football Club went one better and became European champions.
“I knew I had the ability but things can work against you in trials,” Tony said. “I’m really pleased to have achieved this whilst being fully aware that staying fit and mobile is the key to my current success.” Originally from Lymm in Cheshire, Tony moved to Hull in his early 20s and has spent virtually all his adult life in the city.
He played football at a high level, including for North Ferriby, while spending decades teaching generations of youngsters at schools and colleges across Hull, including Andrew Marvell, Winifred Holtby, Archbishop Thurstan – now Archbishop Sentamu Academy – and Hull College.
Yet the biggest prize of his footballing life arrived at age 70. England opened the European Cup in Cardiff with a 2-1 victory over Germany before beating Denmark 3-0. That set up a final-day showdown with the reigning Over-70s world champions – and hosts – Wales. England only needed a draw to secure the top prize. “We didn’t enter the game as favourites as they’re world champions and are very physical and mobile for an Over-70s team,” Tony said.
Tony was among the players who went close to giving England the lead in the first half. Tony had already been forced off with a torn quad when, with the game still 0-0 late on, Wales were awarded a penalty for handball. “The penalty at the end was a sickener,” he said. “I’d come off with a torn quad at that point. However, the elation when our keeper saved it was immense.” Brian Kirk’s save kept the score at 0-0. The final whistle followed and England were European champions on goal difference.
Tony has now received his England caps, including one marking the European triumph – a rather special addition to his Bricknell Avenue mantelpiece. Now retired from teaching, he spends plenty of time with his grandchildren and in the garden. The football boots, however, have certainly not been relegated to the shed. Asked how long he intends to keep playing, Tony’s answer is simple: “Indefinitely.”
He has just come through virtually a full friendly against the England Over-65s without any reaction from his recent injuries, with the Over-70s even managing a draw against their younger counterparts.
There are more England internationals and tournaments ahead and Tony intends to be around for them. But playing international football has also taught him that he isn’t quite the age-defying anomaly he once thought he was. “I used to think that my fitness, pace, touch and so on was extraordinary for my age,” Tony said. “But I’m realising now that there are quite a few of us scattered about these Isles and you can’t take liberties.”
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