In scorching temperatures the Hatters over 50's mens walking football team narrowly lost out in their attempt to become natiional champions narrowly losing 0-2 to eventual winners Sheffield United.
The top ten qualifiers from the regional qualifiers all competed in the EFL Trust Walking Football Finals at Aston Villa's first team training ground last weekend.
Drawn with Blackpool, Cheltenham Town, Notts County, Colchester United and Bradford City the Hatters won one, lost one and drew three games in a very tight group to qualify for the semi-finals where the Blades proved just too strong going on to win the competition beating Kidderminster Harriers in the final.
Arthur Mason, Hatters skipper on the day said: "It was a fantastic day that we all enjoyed and gained some great experience playing against what are the best sides in England.
"I think we faired very well against the tough opposition, losing only one group game to a last minute winner by the 2016 champions Blackpool. We beat Cheltenham Town 2-0 in our first game, had the defeat and then drew our remaining in the group to finish second in the group. We came up against a very powerful Sheffield Utd side in the semi and eventually lost 2-0."
Kevin Thoburn, Head of the Hatters Community Trust commented "walking football is growing fast and is a great way to stay fit for over 50's who still want to play.
"The fellas who travelled up to Villa take it as seriously as their younger counterparts but our weekly sessions at V360 are open to anyone who simply wants to stay fit and enjoy the social side of a team sport."
Anyone of any ability over 50 interested in joining our walking footballers group can register their interest by ringing the community office on 01582 737568 or emailing community@lutontown.co.uk Our sessions currently run every Wednesday at V360 in Gipsy lane from 6.00 pm in the prozones.