Wales Veterans Football Association shine at World Cup in Japan

Welsh Sports Association (WSA) members, Wales Veterans Football Association (WVFA), have returned home from a very successful trip out to Japan for the 2025 World Cup.

The O70s squad were able to retain the World Cup, beating the USA at Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium.

A superb set of performances culminated in that cup final victory against the US, with both goals coming from Graham ‘the Judge’ Miles. This followed a convincing 2-0 win against Germany in the semi-final, with Terry Compton and Peter Morgan on target.

O75s Captain Mark Entwistle commented:

“The retention of the World Cup was super impressive, and the guys played really classy football and were a joy to watch.”

During the group stages, Wales defeated the USA 3-0, with Graham Miles scoring twice and talisman Peter Morgan joining him on the scoresheet. They drew their second game 0-0 but recorded an emphatic 4-0 win over hosts Japan with Phil Newton, Peter Morgan, Mick Algeri and Geoff Malvinas on target. They beat Australia by the same margin through Paul Diaper and Glyn Jones and a brace from ‘super-human’ Terry Compton, who underwent a quadruple by-pass operation in May.

Welsh keeper, Alan Meacham, who did not concede a single goal throughout the tournament, praised his fellow players, well-marshalled by captain Phil Gibb, saying:

“It was a really tough schedule with six games over three days, played in sweltering conditions, but we all worked for each other and fully deserve the plaudits that are now coming our way.”

Meanwhile, Wales O75s earned a brilliant semi-final finish.

Pitted against England in the final four, the Welsh side eventually lost on penalties. The match finished 1-1 at full time, with defender John Gallivan netting for Wales for the third time in the tournament.

During the group stages, they defeated the USA 5-1 through Mark Entwistle, Bob Nelson, Mike Soroko and two from last year’s Player of the Tournament, Billy Arnold. In their second game they beat Australia 4-1 with a brace from Bryn Powell and goals from Mike Soroko and midfield general Gerald Jones. They then defeated a Tokyo team 2-1 courtesy of goals from Mike Williams and Mike Soroko, before thumping Japan 4-0, as John Gallivan bagged two alongside goals from Mark Entwistle and Gerald Jones.

Unfortunately, the O75s subsequently lost two players to injury before the semi-final clash with England.

Wales manager, Tim Bowker, proudly stated:

“We fought gallantly, but with a debilitated squad, it became an uphill task; although the World Cup still eludes us, this is still a great achievement and we remain an inspiration to our peers.”

The achievements of both squads are testament to the hard work put in by everyone in the Wales Veterans Football Association.

Jon Ross, O70s Manager and the WVFA’s main sponsor, enthused:

“Veterans football in Wales is really strong with about 2000 players regularly playing, from O40s right up to 070s.

“It’s great for both physical and mental wellbeing, and a great way to make new friends. I am so proud of all the players for what they gave on the pitch., and we have put Wales on the map… once again!”