I have had these the last few years. They are super comfy and I have been relatively injury free. Still playing at 51!
https://www.asics.com/au/en-au/lethal-tigreor-it-ff-2/p/AOP_1111A178-009.html
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I’m looking at playing again next year. Is it generally safer to play a lower level AA grade, or graduate to the o35s? I’ve heard over age football can be a bit of a cloggers league as everyone’s pace disappears further, and defenders revert to kicking the shit out of everyone.
They cancelled the over 40’s up here several years ago because it was “too competitive”.
The skill level was quite good but there was definitely an element of kick the bloke if he goes past you. Throw in a couple of ex footy players playing for the first time and it got quite physical on occasion.
What I’ve found through refereeing is the lower down the divisions you go the more likely you are to come across a team full of young kids who don’t have the skill to play at a higher level but are far to quick and fit to be coming up against a team full of 40+yo’s. They just kick the ball past the older guys or go long ball and burn them for pace then give it it large when they score.
I’d look for something around Div 3 or 4 where you’re more likely to come up against teams with a combination of younger and older players.
I play O45s on Saturdays and occasionally fill in for lower grade AA teams on a Sunday.
I find the 45s more enjoyable. The football is better, more clever and more structured. You really have to outthink teams and passing and technique is more valued and effective.
AA can be a rabble at times and frustrating as your team mates and opposition has a far lower football IQ. The football can be so unpredictable.
I find I get more space in AA as players don’t tend to track you, but when you get the ball you get less time and space as you are closed down quicker.
On the other hand there are players you just can’t keep up with.
If you are an older player with a good football brain and technique you can carve in AA as others can do the running and you do the directing. In 35s the only way you dominate is to be a better footballer as well as keeping with the pace.
As well as playing on Saturdays we are starting a fathers/son AA team next season so it should be interesting on how we go.
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Asics testimonials for me. Kangaroo leather forefoot upper, great heel support, great outsole.
Does mean I have no excuses for being slow with a shit touch though.
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Do Adidas still make the Kaiser 5’s? Current pair are looxury, but may need replacement next season. 
I played AA last year as i was a few months too young for over 35s. My team was mainly over 35s players with a few that were younger. We got steamrolled by the younger teams just off of fitness
Our 35 1s, when I played, were a match for most AA teams. We played in the Champion of Champions and got beat by Como jannali (full of the Heffernan brothers).
As we have now got older, we have gone up to 45s and the game is slower, due to our physical limitations but the quality of football has improved as good players now have more time on the ball.
I have found that the older we have got the more friendly we are with the opposition on the field and off it. It has become apparent to everyone that football on Saturday is just a fun distraction from life.
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No shame losing to that side, I have been on the end of several Ass Blastings from them.
Yeah, they are ridiculous - won it again this year 8-1…
We got done on a horrific keeping error from one of the lads who was our player of the season. Shocker
Our team was hovering around 40 and playing AA7s when we made the switch to over 35s a few years back. We couldnt match the skill level of the 35s. While it was a bit slower, we werent good enough tactically. We lost half the squad to injuries playing on cold friday nights.
We went back to AA9s, picked up a couple of younger mid fielders and won the GF this year. I’d like to stay in AA for a couple more years and see what over 45s is like.
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Over 35s more violent (largely frustrated and clumsy), also more likely to share a beer and a laugh afterwards.
Make of that what you will. I’ll stay in AAs as long as possible though
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What area are you ? Ill take a punt at ESFA
Im a little bit just past 35 now and see their top div plays on Friday nights. I dont know whether thats good or bad yet…
Im thinking of moving on as the vibe unfortunately isnt there playing with mid 20 to late 20s in AAs.
I was in the NSFA and the over 35’s and over 45’s primarily took the friday and saturday night slots… which was awesome as it gave more time with the family on the weekend but still allowed for a few beers post game
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Hills football. We play a low division because our best days are past us but the comp was pretty evenly split age wise. Good mix of younger teams and teams over thirty.
Its a longgg friday afternoon waiting until after an 8.30 ko to have a beer.
A few of the lads woukd often had put away half a dozen in the afternoon before the over 35s matches.
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Playing football for first time in ages.
Formed a team with a another few Aussies in a local 7-a-side comp in south east London.
5-0 up at half time in our most recent game, despite sitting back and getting all 5 goals on the counter, from 5 shots in total i reckon.
5-5 full time. Crazy stuff.
It’s looking like I might have to coach my son’s under 16s side.
I’ve never coached before and have no coaching badges.
Anyone have any tips, good sites, counselling service?
Drill their weak foot!
I am looking forward to this when my kids are this age. It’ll be like Football Manager, but real life.
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