Aktobe's football veterans relive glory with weekly matches at 80 years old
Every weekend, a group of football veterans in Aktobe, aged between 40 and 80, come together to play matches across the city. The movement, led by 65-year-old Zumabay Tursynbayev, includes 485 players who once competed for local teams like FC Aktobe, Dynamo, and Khimik. For many, the games are more than just exercise—they’re a way to stay connected and relive past glory.
The players are split into three age groups—40+, 50+, and 60+—to keep competition fair. Some teams have even won national titles, with the 40+ group claiming championship victories and the 60+ team finishing second in regional tournaments.
The group meets for two hours every Saturday and Sunday morning, using stadiums provided for free by local sports schools. Among them is 82-year-old Ivan Sizov, the oldest player, who still turns up despite knee problems. Others, like 68-year-old Serzhan Amanzholov, stumbled into the team by chance but now rely on the games to stay active and reduce stress. For 78-year-old Yuri Belousov, football has always been about camaraderie. He remembers how, in Soviet times, workers formed teams to compete against other factories. Now, the veterans’ movement keeps that spirit alive, welcoming newcomers who want to stay fit and part of a team.
The Aktobe veterans’ football movement continues to grow, offering a space for former players to stay healthy and engaged. With 485 members and regular matches, the group ensures that the love of the game—and the friendships it builds—endures long after professional careers have ended.
