High tech fitness monitoring gadgets aren't merely the preserve of top athletes or fictional Russian opponents of Rocky Balboa.

A team of veteran footballers from Ebbsfleet has also moved into the digital age – and now their every kick, leap, and 50 yard dash down the wing will be monitored to record their fitness levels.

Those 50 yard dashes might be a bit slower than they used to - as Ebbsfleet United’s Walking Football Team are all aged over 50 and the rules of walking football prohibit sprinting of course - but the team are figuratively sprinting into the modern era by becoming the latest group to sign up to Ebbsfleet Garden City’s Healthy New Towns Digital Movement Project.

More than 100 residents and workers in Ebbsfleet Garden City have so far joined and each is given a Fitbit which records their movements.

Data will not only help individuals monitor their fitness levels but will also enable the Healthy New Towns project team see which walking and cycling routes are being used, and if any improvements can be made as the Garden City develops.

Aged between 50 and 70 the twenty members of the Walking Football Team - who play in the Kent Walking Football League - will now be able to assess their progress and compare fitness levels within the team.

Walking football is a slower version of the beautiful game where running concedes a free kick and sliding tackles are banned, with the aim keep the game open to those who might otherwise feel they are unable to play anymore.

Kevin McGeough, Director of the Healthy New Towns project, said: “We’re encouraging all ages to keep active and get fit and the Walking Football Team are a real inspiration to the over-50s. As well as the benefits of now being able to monitor their fitness levels, they’ll also be able to help us shape the future of the Garden City when they are off the pitch.”

Chris Judge, Ebbsfleet United Walking Football Team Co-ordinator said, "We are delighted to support the Ebbsfleet Garden City's initiative. The Fitbits will monitor our performance, as we are all very keen to improve our overall fitness levels and to see the improvements."

To find out more about Healthy New Towns visit ebbsfleetdc.org.uk/healthynewtowns/