RUDHEATH Leisure Centre has waved goodbye to one of its longest standing footballers.

David Lever, 57, pictured right, has played five-a-side at the centre for the past 30 years, but has decided the time has come to hang his boots up.

Since forming the Sandiway Casuals in 1977, David has organised and played in more than 2,000 games at Rudheath, but is calling it a day because of problems with finding opposition.

"The organising of opposition and getting our team together has been the main problem; people left through injury, old age, work commitments, or moved away and I found that a lot of the younger people couldn't be bothered to play, " he said.

"Unfortunately, these days I don't seem to move in the right circles to meet people who might be able to play football or get a team together for a Wednesday night."

The Delamere Park resident joined forces with other dads from Cuddington and Sandiway, and together built their compeitions around their families.

"We wanted to play football and fit it in with the role of being a modern man. We secured a slot at Rudheath from 9pm until 10pm on a Wednesday evening, so we could get home from work, have our dinner and help with the children before going out to play football.

"Provided we got changed quickly there was still time to have a quick pint at The Farmers Arms," he joked.

The move is not without sadness but David is looking forward to a break from organising games.

He said: "I was very sad to have to give up as I continued to enjoy playing; I'm only 57, quite fit and can still give a reasonable account of myself.

"I'll have to find something else to do on a Wednesday night.

"Five-a-side football has been a big part of my life for many years and I shall really miss playing."

He added: "I'd like to thank the many people who have played for us, and the opposition teams for making it happen."