The first ever Walking Football World Cup is due to be held in the summer.

The International Walking Football Federation is to hold the world cup at Leyton Orient Football Club on June 1 and 2.

With 26 countries and counting now involved with the federation, walking football is becoming the fastest growing sport.

Founder of the International Walking Football Federation Terry Rice said: "Walking football has emerged to reap the positive energy of all those who played football through their lives, whether they retired early from it or continued through Veteran football.

"It unites everyone that still has the passion to play, and gives them a level playing field for their abilities now that there bodies are slowing, but the spirit and enjoyment still exists.

"We created National leagues that are ever growing, mid week sessions are full, and the old camaraderie and social inclusion has returned in force.

"Having seen the game spread, it was of course natural to extend to other countries stepping forward to link with and unite with a World Cup tournament, not just in UK but with the other nations hosting as well in the future.

"We want to see the international language of football utilised for the common good and once again a game for the people emerging internationally to expand on the health, physical and mental of this wonderful game, and see the friendship develop."

To register to sponsor the event, contact: theiwff@hotmail.com or to purchase tickets, visit: www.onlyoneorient.com/events.