Being old doesn't mean you can’t play soccer

Soccer is often regarded a sport for young people because it requires stamina and strength. But a group of senior players in Chongqing are proving that it may never be too old to play.

The Chongqing Senior Men's Soccer Team, established in 1983, boasts the longest history of all the city's senior teams. With an average age of 68, the team has retired men from all walks of life, from age 54 to 83. Most of the team members have considerable soccer skills, and a few are former professionals.

The team has claimed three national titles in senior men's soccer tournaments — in 2003, 2013 and 2015.

At 8 am every Tuesday and Thursday, the team kicks off training and match play in Chongqing's Shapingba district.

Yao Shuyun, 70, the team leader and a national soccer referee, worked at Chongqing University and joined the team in 2005.

"We're here for fitness and to make friends," Yao said. "We take it as a happy get-together with brothers and friends rather than training."

He said, most of the players had developed the hobby of playing soccer as children and loved it through the years.