The 50-year-old amateur footballer who became a viral inspiration

In the quiet neighborhood near Rochdale town centre, Craig Kirby's phone rumbles with notifications as he opens the door to his gym. The 50-year-old footballer's TikTok video, showcasing his latest amateur football match, has gained over 85,000 views. The video, filmed by his wife Lindsay, highlights Kirby's skill and agility on the pitch, emphasizing that 90% of the game involves fitness and movement off the ball.

Kirby's profile, which boasts over 30,000 followers on TikTok and Instagram, has been seen by more than 340,000 viewers. His earliest video, a compilation of a match against Old Rivingtonians in Lancashire, has garnered over 2.9 million views.

Following the tragic death of his son Sebastian in December 2023, Kirby contemplated retiring from football. However, his wife encouraged him to continue playing, and she began filming his matches. Kirby, surprised by the overwhelming positive response, has now posted regularly across social media, focusing on neat touches and clever passes while avoiding any negative behavior.

His dedication to the sport has earned him opportunities to play for Vauxhall Motors in the Cheshire Veterans League Premier Division and even caught the attention of international stars like Papiss Cisse and Usain Bolt.

Kirby's journey in football has been a source of inspiration for many, including his own son. He emphasizes the importance of continuing sports activities into older age for both physical and social benefits, urging youngsters not to lose the love for the game, despite the pressure to pursue professional careers from a young age.

Kirby's call-up to England's over-50s team represents a significant milestone in his career, and he credits his positive attitude and love for football, which he gained from playing with his friends as a child, for keeping him motivated.