More To The Story: Soccer in your 70s

Dave meets a soccer league for older players

EAST RIDGE, Tennessee (WDEF) – It’s a hot, humid, sticky Sunday morning at Camp Jordan in East Ridge.

The soccer complex is packed. Packed with older people. Men and woman. Players and fans. Many are senior citizens. From coast to coast.

What is going on here???

ED PUCCINELLI, TEAM CAPTAIN / 76 YEARS OLD;
“Simple. It’s fun. It’s fun. It’s fun. And oh, one more reason: it’s fun!”

It’s the United States Adult Soccer Association’s annual tournament. Starting in 1998, this is the first year that Chattanooga played host.

The youngest player is 40 years old. The oldest in their 80’s. The women’s title game was 70 and older. The men’s championship game was 75 and older. For these classes, it’s seven on seven.

And as Ed Puccinelli just said, they’re having a ball!!!

KIM BERGENSER, TEAM CAPTAIN / 78 YEARS OLD;
“Soccer is a great sport. It’s proven that soccer players have a 14 percent better cell mass than people our own age. We live longer by playing soccer. And we have the bone density of a 35 year old.”

JOE MYATT, FORMER PROFESSIONAL / 76 YEARS OLD;
“It’s a never ending road. I see soccer as something that keeps you in shape. It’s like horses on a field. We never stop running. And if you play soccer, you have to run a lot!”

Most of these players grew up playing the game. Some have played for 60 years. Some have played pro ball. One player even started the U.S. Marine Soccer Team.

They travel, and play, for the love of the game. And consider: they have the time to do so!

KIM BERGENSER, TEAM CAPTAIN / 78 YEARS OLD;
“It’s fun. I’ve played in this tournament for 21 years. Young people can’t play for five days. They have work and family. The old guys can play. And we love it.”

Most of the players say they’re tired when the match is over. But it’s a good tired. And they’ll keep doing it!
From Camp Jordan, dave Staley, News 12.