David Mudge (Australia) will have plenty to celebrate on his 80th birthday today after becoming the oldest competitive football (soccer) player (male).
Proving age is just a number, David, from Turramurra, New South Wales, was 79 years 89 days when his team Kissing Point Football Club took on North Turramurra in a Northern Suburbs Football Association match.
And while his team lost 6-0, that didn’t stop David romping his way to his own historic victory.
Footie fan David got in touch with Guinness World Records to apply for the title after one of his sons realized the previous holder of the record was just 73.
Given that David still plays in an Over-45 competition every week of the season, he figured he should do something about it.
Super fit David easily met the guidelines for the record by staying on the pitch for the full 90-minute game, which applicants must have done in the last year.
After the game ended, players from both sides lined up to give him a cheer and shake his hand.
When asked what he had to say, David proclaimed: “I want to thank my teammates for putting up with me.”
His decades-long involvement with the Northern Suburbs Football Association began back in 1958 when he began playing for the Beecroft club in the under 14 and a half age group.
He joined his current team Kissing Point in 1974 and has done various jobs both on and off the pitch.
As well as playing the beautiful game, he’s also been the club president, treasurer and even ran the canteen and barbecue in his time at the club.
David has also delighted in passing on his skills as a coach and manager for Kissing Point’s junior teams, bringing his children along to play at the club with him.
A huge sports fan, David has also played cricket, touch football and rugby during his life.
He’s become a well-known figure in the community and is a regular fixture at the football club.
Whether he’s playing, refereeing, setting up the fields or handing out sandwiches, you can always count on David being there.
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