POWYS has a rich history of producing international sporting talents… but not many are still playing in their 60s and 70s.

However, 73-year-old spring chicken Dave Barlow will be making his debut for Wales at the International Walking Football Federation European Championships next month.

And he will be joined in France by Mandy Gornicki, who is a rookie by comparison, at 59, but a veteran in terms of the international stage, having represented her nation at over 40s, 50s and 60 levels.

What’s even more magical is that the two footballers are neighbours, living in the tiny hilltop community of Cefn-gorwydd, nestled between Llanwrtyd and Llangammarch Wells.

Mandy is already a huge part of Welsh football history – having played in the very first sanctioned women’s international, a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Iceland in Port Talbot in September 1993.

OTHER NEWS:

She introduced Dave to the game. They both train at Merthyr Tydfil FC and, on April 22, Dave joined her as a Wales international when he pulled on the famous red shirt and won his first cap in a friendly against England, playing for the over 70s team in Sheffield.

They will now both be heading off to play in the European Championships in Marseille in June.

“After a lifetime of being involved with sport, I cannot believe that at 73 I am back playing competitive football again,” said Dave, a retired PE teacher and rugby player.

“I could never have dreamt of playing at international level. Joining the walking football team has given me a new lease of life.

“I would recommend it to anyone to give it a go – male or female. It’s a fantastic way to meet new people and keep fit. It’s a real boost to your overall wellbeing as well.”

Dave signed an apprentice contract with Blackpool in his youth before going on to represent Durham University, but then changed to the oval ball in 1972.

He was a PE teacher for 40 years, teaching in Berkshire, Surrey and the Isle of Wight.

He joined Windsor Rugby Football Club and went on to captain the first team for three seasons, playing for 15 years in total. He was also selected for the Berkshire county squad.

He and wife Pam moved to Powys after retiring and have lived here for nine years.

South Wales-born Mandy is making the most of her blossoming football career later in life, determined to make up for lost time.

She was 30 when she made her debut in that famous match in Port Talbot 30 years ago.

But even though the women’s game has developed rapidly in recent years, it has been a long road.

Until 1970, women were banned from playing official matches, and the Wales women’s team did not join UEFA and FIFA until 1973. It was still another 20 years before the nation’s first competitive fixture.

Her shirt from that Iceland game is on display at Wrexham Museum, but walking football has allowed her to fall back in love with the beautiful game.

“Walking football has changed my life and brought me back to a sport I love,” said Mandy, an ex-police dog handler.

“It has given me a whole new group of friends and allowed me to represent my country and captain them.”

County Times: The first-ever competitive game featuring Wales' women, against Iceland in September 1993. Mandy Gornicki is back row 4th from left The first-ever competitive game featuring Wales' women, against Iceland in September 1993. Mandy Gornicki is back row 4th from left (Image: FAW)

Mandy joined the Army at 18 then carved out a career as a dog handler for Avon and Somerset Police, before retiring at 55 and moving back home to Wales. She got involved with walking football two years ago and actually established Merthyr Town’s women’s team last year.

“I played for Wales at 11-a-side and was privileged to captain them as well,” said Mandy, who turns 60 in July, and is currently Wales’ over 50s captain.

“One of my international shirts is at Wrexham Museum as I wore it in the first-ever sanctioned international game for Wales against Iceland.

“I was not allowed to play football when I was younger as women were barred, so sadly my 11-a-side international career was not very long, as I was already 30 when it started.”

Mandy works tirelessly to promote walking football and is actively involved in trying to raise more funds and find sponsors in order to attract more people to the sport, which offers both physical and mental benefits to older people.

If you would like more information about how you can join in or help in any way, contact Mandy via email at mandygornicki@outlook.com.