old goalie still between the posts every week

An 82‑year‑old man has been running a friendly six‑a‑side football team in Barnet for more than four decades - and still pulls on his goalkeepers gloves every Sunday.

Leo Gottesman has seen many players come and go at Powerleague Barnet, including his own son, yet remains a fixture between the posts every week.

"I played football at school, naturally, although I wasn't a goalkeeper at the time. Then I stopped playing until I was 35 years of age but I have been playing six‑a‑side football ever since."

Following a heart attack 25 years ago, Gottesman's cardiologist advised him to give up the sport.

"I stopped for about two or three months - but I love the game so much, I just had to continue," he said.

"He's got so much experience, his positioning is incredible and so he's difficult to score past," he said.

"Leo is a very passionate and reliable person and he's a role model for all of us."

Henry Thorpe‑Spinks has been playing on Sundays for the past 13 years, often along with his dad.

"I don't know any other football game where they've got a goalkeeper who's not only that age but also has been playing for 40‑odd years and been running it."

As well as guarding the goal, Gottesman manages the team's admin, such as checking player numbers, making pitch bookings, collecting subscriptions and even washing the kits.

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