Craig Kirkby, a 50-year-old footballer from Rochdale, stands out on the pitch not only for his speed, agility, and ball control but also for his thick grey hair. He has gained a massive social media following by sharing videos of himself outplaying much younger players, including some former Premier League professionals, with his nimble footwork.
Daily Practice and Social Media Fame
Kirkby plays football twice a week and practices kicking a ball for 10 to 30 minutes daily, often in a park where he receives curious looks from youngsters. He told the Daily Mail: 'I still go to the park and kick the ball against a wall. You have a few people looking at you like you're a bit odd because I'm a grey-haired old man, but I don't care. I just go there, kick my ball and go home.' He added: 'You're told to behave a particular way when you're at a certain age. Really, you should stay as active as long as you can.'
With over 25,000 followers on his account 'footballat50', his videos have attracted attention from brands like Puma, who sent him 10 pairs of boots. In a recent game against former Premier League players including Stephen Ireland, he approached ex-Newcastle United striker Papiss Cisse for a picture. Cisse replied: 'I should be asking you. Your left foot is a wand.' He then followed Kirkby on Instagram and messaged him to praise his football skills.
Representing England Veterans Team
Kirkby's performances for Wardle FC in the Lancashire Amateur Premier Division earned him a call-up to England's 50-to-55-year-old veterans team, which will play in Belgrade this summer. While excited to wear the Three Lions jersey, he finds the greatest satisfaction in messages from older men inspired by him to exercise and play football again.
As a personal trainer, Kirkby works with clients of all ages, including an 80-year-old who could barely walk 50 metres without pain. Within a year, that client was deadlifting and returned to playing golf. Kirkby's simple training philosophy is to work around each individual.
Overcoming Adversity
Kirkby's fitness journey is remarkable given that as a teenager he nearly lost his leg in a workplace accident. At 17, while serving in the British Army Air Corps, his leg was crushed under a multi-lift device at Wattisham Airfield in Suffolk. Doctors warned of future complications, but Kirkby recovered through hydrotherapy and returned to football at 18. He continued playing for seven more years in the army before leaving.
After trials with Cambridge United and Kettering Town, he worked as a crane operator and labourer before becoming a personal trainer. His personal life also holds deep poignancy: his son died two years ago. His wife encouraged him to film his football matches and share them online, originally to support their son's influencer activities. One video went viral with 1.5 million views, launching his social media presence. Kirkby reflects: 'It's bittersweet because it's hard to accept that good things are happening, but I know he'd want me to carry on.'
Age UK Campaign
Kirkby's story is championed by Age UK's 'Act Now, Age Better' campaign, encouraging over-50s to exercise for long-term benefits. The initiative is supported by double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes, Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell, and broadcaster Gabby Logan. Logan said: 'I exercise because I love it... but I'm also doing it to futureproof myself so that, when I'm in my 70s and 80s, I'm still as active as I can be. My motivation is to be able to play tennis with the grandchildren I haven't got yet.'
Kirkby advises those who claim they don't have time to exercise: 'You've always got time - and the benefits are worth it.' He maintains his fitness with muscular endurance sessions six times a week and two full-body workouts, emphasizing that attitude matters more than appearance.
