Gerard Roofer kicked football as a child, before devoting himself to his professional and family life (he has two sons). It was at the age of 37 that this former commercial executive in the press took over a license at CA Plobsheim. 37 years later, he still teases the ball and to explain his longevity, he especially highlights his lifestyle.
“I never overdid it, explains the player-coach of one of Plobsheim’s two super veteran teams (teams reserved for those over 45). I go to the cardiologist every year and do a stress test every two years. I sometimes had muscle problems. So I warm up well and discipline myself to drink water before games. I think the physical glitches sometimes come from there.”
He exercises almost every day
In addition to training and football matches, Gérard Couvreur also runs three to four times a week, “five – six terminals”. In the locker room of CA Plobsheim, Racing’s partner club, his teammates admire his longevity.
“He is the youngest football player in Alsace”smiles Emmanuel. “But he’s the one who has the most bravery at that age, chain Mario. He has our full consideration and respect.”
– Luc Dreosto
“We are already thinking of making a statue of himcarries Claude. Sometimes we also worry more quickly when he stumbles. But to be standing on the pitch at that age is fantastic. Many will not make it. Sometimes we call him dad in the field or grandpa.”
“There, you’re nice, replies the interested party, laughing. Usually it’s old! This is also why I continue, the friendly side. We talk bullshit and then we come home happy, we had a pleasant evening“.
He makes up for the lack of speed with experience
Gérard Couvreur’s opponents are often unaware that he is 74 years old. “When the opponents go into contact, they go into contact, he laughs. You’re on a football field, they don’t care if you’re 50 or 70!”
This Arsene Wenger fan is a defender, a bit old-fashioned: “I don’t think I’m surly, but I don’t give up. Now with my age, what I miss is speed! Ah, that’s for sure, if you come across a 50-year-old or 60-year-old (sic!), if he takes two or three meters from you, at my age, it’s over.
If he no longer has his 20-year-old legs, Gérard Couvreur compensates with experience: “We help each other as we can. We try to stop him, I don’t mean by any means, but we pull the jersey or stuff like that (laughs). Good after if we’ve passed, we has passed. We are not alone on the ground”.
They are two septuagenarians in the team
Dean of Alsatian football, Gérard Couvreur has competition within the team of super veterans he coaches, since Germain is already 71 spring at the counter.
“I have one goal, it’s to do as well as him, laughs the other septuagenarian of the team. I try to keep myself in shape, I’m lucky not to have major physical problems. It is above all the fact of moving a little and seeing friends. Before I was back, now I play in front. I give them a little hook or something, and I won my evening!”
The dean of Alsatian football scored a penalty this season
Gérard Couvreur is also for sure this season the oldest scorer in Alsace. “At Menora, we took a beating, but I scored a penalty, he says. The friends let me shoot, it’s a pleasure”.
Gérard Couvreur who is also treasurer of CA Plobsheimdoes not set an age limit, he hopes to play football at least up to 75 years old