Filmmaker Tracy Willits from York St John University was in the island earlier this week to interview Mr Martel – who is captaining the side in the big match at the end of next month – for the documentary Silver Lions: Football Dreams Never Retire.
‘We have been following the team all leading up to this game,’ she said.
‘They all have lived long lives and with that they all have great back stories.’
Ms Willits said that while the documentary is primarily on the team’s preparations, there is an underlying message of men’s health.
‘While it should be entertaining and exciting we also want to encourage people to keep exercising, as these guys are showing you can at any age,’ she said.
‘Geoff is the oldest and fittest – he is a real role model.’
While here, the filmmakers got a chance to see Mr Martel in action at Aztech Soccer Arena, where he regularly trains, and Victoria Park on Monday night, where he featured in an over-60s team playing against an over-50s squad.
While out and about Ms Willits said that she had many locals coming up to her to find out about the project.
‘Guernsey is amazing – the people are lovely and friendly,’ she said. ‘People have been coming up to us asking what we are filming for, which has been really nice.’
Once edited, the documentary is set to premiere at film festivals in England and Germany before hopefully going out on broadcast channels.
The film is an independent project so the team behind it are looking for sponsors.
‘Guernsey is featured heavily with Geoff being the captain, so there is an opportunity for Guernsey companies,’ said Ms Willits. Sponsors can feature on the advertising boards at Boundary Park, Oldham where the match will take place on 30 July.
n Any companies which are interested are asked to contact t.willits@yorksj.ac.uk.
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