Club News

It has been another powerful period for walking football across Scotland, with clubs coming together to celebrate community, friendship and the incredible impact the game continues to have both on and off the pitch. From heartfelt tributes and fundraising successes to new sessions, sponsorship support and competitive action, the stories below once again highlight the strength, compassion and togetherness that defines our walking football family.

Firstly, we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Neil Whitton from Ardler, who sadly passed away suddenly on 20 December. Neil was a much-loved member of the local football community, and his loss has been felt deeply by many.

In tribute, the Dundee East CSC Walking Football group welcomed members of Neil’s family, along with fellow footballers from across the region, to the Quest Arena for a special gathering held in his memory.

The session was filled with reflection, respect, and togetherness — a fitting way to honour someone who meant so much to so many. A collection held on the day raised in excess of £320, a testament to the generosity and compassion of everyone who attended.

We would like to sincerely thank all those who took part, contributed, and supported Neil’s family during this difficult time.

Our thoughts are with Neil’s loved ones and friends. He will be greatly missed. 💙

Duncanrig EK Start the Year with Celebration in East Kilbride 🎉⚽

Looking ahead with positivity, Duncanrig EK Walking Football began the new year in celebratory fashion following their success in the Men’s 70s West League.

The club marked the achievement by hosting a New Year Walking Football Tournament, featuring four of their own teams competing in a round-robin league format. The day was played in great spirit, with plenty of football, laughter, and friendly competition before everyone came together to enjoy a shared meal.

A huge well done to Dougie Patterson and his team for organising such a fantastic event — a perfect way to celebrate success and kick off the year ahead.

EK Gerihatricks Score Big with £500 Donation to Kilbryde Hospice 💙

EK Gerihatricks Walking Football Club have earned some new fans after making a generous £500 donation to Kilbryde Hospice, supporting the vital work they do within the local community.

The club has 69 members who train and play three times a week at the Alistair McCoist Centre in East Kilbride. Ages range from 60 to 82, with an impressive four active members aged over 80.

Committee Chair Frank Parker explained:

“At our annual Christmas Dance on Friday 5 December, held at the British Legion Hall in the Village, East Kilbride, we encouraged members and partners to support our raffle at £5 per ticket, with all proceeds going to Kilbryde Hospice.”

With over 100 people attending, the event raised £500, which was later presented to the hospice and gratefully received.

A tremendous effort from everyone involved — a brilliant example of walking football making a real difference off the pitch.

Giffnock SC O70s Welcome Pollok United for Friendly Clash 🤝⚽

Giffnock SC O70s were delighted to welcome Pollok United to Auldhouse for a friendly match as both sides prepare for the upcoming competitive season.

The game was played in excellent spirit, with a healthy dose of friendly rivalry on the pitch, followed by plenty of laughs and camaraderie afterwards. Matches like these are the perfect warm-up ahead of competitive action, giving players the chance to sharpen up while strengthening friendships between clubs.

A great afternoon of walking football for everyone involved — best of luck to both teams as the new season approaches.

Trustee Support at New Glasgow Life Session in Maryhill 👏⚽

It was great to see Walking Football Scotland Trustee David MacKinnon out showing his support at a new Glasgow Life walking football session held in Maryhill.

The session marked another positive step in expanding opportunities for people to get involved in walking football locally, with great energy, enthusiasm, and engagement from those taking part.

David’s presence highlighted the importance of supporting new sessions as they grow, helping ensure they get off to the strongest possible start.

A brilliant example of the continued commitment to growing the game across communities in Glasgow and beyond.

Shotts WF Strengthen Sponsorship Ahead of New Season 👕🤝

Last night both Shotts Walking Football squads came together for a photo session alongside their sponsors BCA Insulation Shotts, as preparations continue for the upcoming competitive season.

The club expressed their sincere thanks to Karen, Wilson, and everyone at BCA Insulation for their generous and much-needed support. The sponsorship will see the BCA logo proudly displayed on Shotts shirts when the new season gets underway in March.

Pictured are both squads with Wilson Shaw from BCA, marking a great example of local businesses backing community sport and helping walking football continue to thrive.

As we reflect on these moments, it’s clear that walking football continues to be about far more than results. It’s about people, purpose and the connections formed through the game. Whether honouring those we’ve lost, supporting vital charities, welcoming new players, or simply enjoying time together, every club plays a part in strengthening our community. Thank you to everyone involved — players, volunteers, referees, sponsors and supporters — for continuing to make walking football such a positive force across Scotland.

WFS O50’s Men’s East of Scotland Leagues 2026

The WFS Over 50’s Men’s East of Scotland leagues get underway for the 2026 season this Sunday, 1st February, with the opening fixtures taking place at the Regional Performance Centre, Dundee.

With 27 teams competing across the divisions, we are delighted to welcome several new clubs to the leagues this season, including Crieff Juniors, Dunfermline Athletic, Forfar Athletic (Navy), Scone WFC, and Street Soccer Dundee. We look forward to seeing them in action and wish them every success in their inaugural campaigns.

In the Premiership, reigning champions Forfar Athletic begin their title defence against Luncarty FC, while Championship winners Linlithgow Rose CFC return to the top flight with an opening fixture against fellow promoted side Hibernian CF.

The Championship also promises to be competitive, with last season’s Conference champions taking on Arbroath – Whites in their opening match. We also eagerly anticipate how the new Conference teams will adapt and perform during the season ahead.

We wish all teams the very best of luck for what promises to be another exciting and competitive season in the WFS O50’s Men’s East of Scotland leagues.

WFS Receive Dreampot Donation!

We are delighted to share that WFS has been selected as one of the recipients of the Sing in the City Dreampot, an initiative where the choir raises funds and donates to a range of deserving charities.

WFS was introduced to Sing in the City by some of their own choir members, and we are incredibly grateful that this connection led to a generous donation of £300, which will directly support the continued growth of the game.

To mark the occasion, our Regional Representative and former trustee, Vivian Wallace, was delighted to visit one of Sing in the City’s recent choir rehearsals. During the visit, Vivian presented the choir with a certificate of appreciation, recognising their generosity and commitment to supporting community causes.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone at Sing in the City for their support and for choosing WFS as a Dreampot recipient. Contributions like this make a real difference and help us continue our work both now and into the future.

Christophe Berra - Financial Advisor Support

We’re thrilled to let our Walking Football Scotland community know that former Scotland international and professional footballer Christophe Berra has joined Advanta Wealth as an Independent Financial Adviser.

Christophe enjoyed a distinguished 20‑year career with clubs including Heart of Midlothian, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Ipswich Town, earning 41 caps for Scotland. Since retiring from professional football, he has brought the same discipline, integrity, and drive to his career in financial planning.

As many of you know, Christophe is a big supporter of Walking Football Scotland and has attended numerous events over the years. His journey from elite sport to financial services is rooted in his own long-standing experience with financial advice, and a genuine passion for helping others achieve financial security.

To give back to our members, Christophe is offering a free 30‑minute Financial MOT — an opportunity to review your current financial position and explore tailored advice for the future.

Book your session today and take advantage of this exclusive offer for Walking Football Scotland members. 

Contact details:

• Email: cberra@theadvantagroup.co.uk

• Phone: 07425 979303

• Website: www.advantawealth.co.uk

Player of the Month (December) - Martin Samuell & Suzy Featherstone

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We’re keeping up with our monthly spotlight on Walking Football Scotland Players of the Month in partnership with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.

For December the Walking Football Scotland Women’s Player of the Month is Suzy Featherstone! Suzy, 55, plays with Linlithgow Rose CFC.

Walking Football Scotland Men’s Player of the Month is Martin Samuell! Martin, 54, is one of our new Regional Reps and plays with Seaforth WFC.

Congratulations Suzy and Martin! They shared their reflections on what walking football means to them.

Why did you get involved in walking football?

Suzy: “After spending over 15 years being taxi driver to 3 very sporty kids, my youngest passed his driving test and I found myself with spare time in the evenings. I had seen that Linlithgow Rose had set up women’s walking football sessions and as the rest of the family all played football, I thought I’d give it a try and see how it goes. That was 2 years ago.”

Martin: “I wanted to be involved with local people within my community. I started in Drumnadrochit and was then asked to be football convenor for a new club Seaforth in Conon Bridge and since then I have helped start up Ross County as well as recently become the first WFS Regional Rep for the North of Scotland.”

What positive impact has walking football had on your life?

Suzy: “I’ve made friends with a lovely group of women and men, which, as a quite a quiet person I don’t always find the easiest thing to do. Being part of a team after not playing a team sport for over 30 years has been fantastic. Learning a new skill in my 50s is challenging but I’m loving every minute of it and my fitness has improved. It’s not just walking football, I’ve had nights out, weekends away and started playing pickleball, just because I plucked up the courage to go to that first football session.”

Martin: “For me personally it is about getting other people together and making the groups grow and seeing how much everyone enjoys the experience, banter etc etc. ”

What would you say to encourage others to come along?

Suzy: “If you’re looking for something that keeps you active while you have fun, get yourself along to your local club. If my experience is anything to go by, you’ll meet some fantastic people who encourage you to be your best and make it worth going back to each week.”

Martin: “I tend to say to people that they do not know how much they need walking football in their lives. Even if it is just to come out and meet similar aged people from all different walks of life and have a chat.

Walking football is still the beautiful game just at a slower pace.”

WFS O60's Men's Champions League - Champions!

The curtain has come down on the WFS O60’s Men’s Champions League, and it was Pollok Utd who emerged victorious after a thrilling finale, edging out rivals Glasgow Life by the finest of margins.

In a dramatic conclusion, Pollok Utd were crowned champions after finishing just one goal better off than Glasgow Life.

It was a fittingly tight finish between two outstanding sides, highlighting the quality and competitiveness of the O60’s game.

The Champions League featured six excellent teams:

Glasgow Life, Pollok United, Townhead Strollers, Alloa Athletic, Fife Wanderers, and Oriam, all of whom contributed to a superb day of walking football.

For Pollok Utd, this victory completes an impressive Champions League and Scottish Cup double in 2025 – a tremendous achievement and reward for their consistency and determination throughout the year.

And with that, competitive action for 2025 comes to a close. Congratulations and sincere thanks to all teams, players, referees, and volunteers who took part this season. The growth of the game continues, with over 20 new teams already signed up and ready to take part next year.

We look forward to doing it all again in 2026!

Photos - Phil Dawson

Club News

Club News: Festive Celebrations, Awards & Football Friendships

As the year draws to a close, walking football clubs across Scotland are enjoying their final sessions of 2025 — celebrating achievements, strengthening friendships, and marking another memorable year both on and off the pitch.

Loanhead Celebrate Christmas Night & Player of the Year 🎄🏆

Loanhead Walking Football rounded off the year with a brilliant Christmas Night Out, bringing players and supporters together to celebrate a successful season.

A standout moment of the evening was the presentation of Player of the Year 2025, with huge congratulations going to Jim Shepherd, whose dedication, consistency, and team spirit made him a worthy winner of the Loanhead Walking Football POY award.

Dunbar Raise £300 for Sporting Memories 💙

Dunbar Walking Football continue to show their generosity, recently raising £300 for Sporting Memories, a charity supporting older people through sport and shared memories.

This latest effort takes the club’s total charitable fundraising for the year to just under £1,000, supporting several causes along the way. A massive well done to everyone involved for making such a positive impact.

Seaforth WFC Enjoy Final Fixtures of 2025 🤝⚽

Up in the north, Seaforth Walking Football Club enjoyed a series of friendly matches against Tain, bringing their 2025 fixtures to a close in the best possible way.

The games were played in great spirit, with plenty of smiles, sportsmanship, and camaraderie on display — a perfect example of what walking football is all about.

Drumchapel United Support Drumchapel Food Bank ❤️

Drumchapel United Walking Football once again demonstrated their community spirit by handing a £1200 cheque to the Drumchapel Food Bank supported by journalist Hugh Keevins.

This latest donation adds to an already incredible amount raised by the club for local causes over the year, reinforcing Drumchapel United’s continued commitment to supporting those within their community who need it most.

A huge well done to everyone involved — generosity and kindness remain at the heart of the club.

Clubs Celebrate Their Final Sessions & Festive Gatherings 🎉

Across the country, many clubs have been enjoying their final sessions, Christmas parties, and festive nights out, celebrating another year of football and friendship.

Festive celebrations have taken place involving clubs including Annan, Ayr Utd, Dundee East, Fife Wanderers, Hearts, KA Leisure, Midlothian ladies, Pollok, Saints in the Community, Scone, Stenhousemuir, Stirling Albion and Tayport with each gathering highlighting the strong bonds and sense of community that continue to grow within walking football.

From last games of the year to festive food and laughter off the pitch, it’s been a fitting way to close out 2025.

Ending the Year the Right Way ❤️⚽

Whether lifting awards, raising money for charity, playing one last friendly, or sharing a festive meal, clubs across Scotland have once again shown that walking football is about far more than the game itself.

Here’s to a well-earned break, continued friendships, and another exciting year of walking football ahead in 2026. 🎄⚽💙

WFS O70’s Men’s Champions League - Alloa Athletic - Champions!

It was another memorable day at Ravenscraig as Alloa Athletic were crowned WFS Men’s O70’s Champions League winners, completing an outstanding treble-winning season.

Already crowned League Champions and Scottish Cup winners, Alloa once again showed their quality on the biggest stage. With six top sides battling it out, the competition went right down to the final game of the day, where Alloa held their nerve to be crowned Champions League winners. Six top sides took part in the Champions League event, with strong competition throughout from:

Alloa Athletic, Ayr United, Duncanrig EK, North Lanarkshire Council, Stenhousemuir, and Townhead Strollers.

All teams played their part in an excellent day of walking football, but it was Alloa Athletic who emerged on top to add yet another trophy to their collection.

Congratulations to Alloa Athletic on an exceptional season, and a big thank you to all players, clubs, referees, and regional representatives for making the Men’s O70’s Champions League a fantastic occasion.

CHSS Tartan Teapot Trophy 2025

This week we were delighted to take part in Year 2 of the CHSS Tartan Teapot Trophy, marking Year 3 of our partnership with Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS).

The event, held at the Toryglen Regional Football Centre, once again showcased the positive impact Walking Football has on health, wellbeing and community connection.

This year’s tournament featured teams from Walking Football Scotland, CHSS, Active Scotland, Movement for Health, along with the four teams who raised the most money for CHSS last year: Alloa Athletic, Braehead FC, Edinburgh City and Midlothian Ladies.

Our Walking Football Scotland team was represented by:
Trustees: Campbell Ogilvie, Linsey Paton-Donaldson, Martin Jack and Matt Ramsay
Patron: Gordon Smith
Regional Representatives: David Callaghan and Jenny Hammond

The competition delivered a fantastic afternoon of football, camaraderie and charity support. After some closely contested group matches and knockout games, it was Braehead FC who emerged victorious, defeating our own Walking Football Scotland team 2–1 in the final to lift the Tartan Teapot Trophy.

We are immensely proud of everyone who took part and grateful to all teams and partners who made the day such a success. As we move into our third year working alongside CHSS, we look forward to continuing to strengthen the partnership and grow this event even further in the years ahead.

WFS Appoint Regional Competition Co-ordinators

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Walking Football Scotland (WFS) is delighted to announce the appointment of David Callaghan and Derek King as our new Regional Competition Coordinators, marking an exciting step forward in the development and delivery of our competition structure nationwide.

As participation in walking football continues to grow across Scotland, these new coordinator roles will play a vital part in supporting the organisation, planning and administration of regional competitions. The appointments aim to enhance consistency, communication and support for clubs and competitive events across the regions.

David and Derek bring with them years of experience in community football, sport development and event delivery. Their roles will focus on coordinating regional leagues and competitions, maintaining communication networks and assisting with the smooth running of WFS events throughout the year.

These positions strengthen the overall framework of competitive walking football, ensuring that the game continues to grow in a structured, accessible and well-supported way for all participants.

Speaking on the appointments, WFS Trustee Matt Ramsay said:

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome David and Derek into these important roles. Knowing firsthand the level of organisation, commitment and passion required, I’m thrilled to see us further developing and strengthening our competition structure. Their appointments reflect the exciting growth of our competitive game, and I look forward to working closely with both of them as we continue to enhance opportunities for players across Scotland.”

Walking Football Scotland is proud to continue building a strong, sustainable competition pathway—one that supports clubs, empowers volunteers and gives players at every level the chance to enjoy meaningful, well-organised football.

Both David and Derek add these new roles to their current Regional Rep and for David, Regional Manager role and we thank them for their continued willingness support Walking Football Scotland.

𝗖𝗛𝗦𝗦 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁!

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and Walking Football Scotland marked the third year of our partnership today by hosting our second Tartan Teapot Trophy event — a brilliant walking football celebration filled with teamwork, community spirit and plenty of smiles! ⚽️🫖💙

Eight fantastic teams from across the country travelled to Toryglen to battle it out for the Tartan Teapot Trophy, with Midlothian Ladies, Alloa Athletic, Edinburgh City and Braehead invited along thanks to the amazing fundraising efforts they delivered last year. ❤️🏴

We are therefore delighted to announce this year’s collective clubs contribution is a phenomenal £𝟳,𝟰𝟮𝟲.𝟮𝟱, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Your continued support means everything. 🙌💛

We are truly overwhelmed by the generosity shown across the walking football community. Thanks to the dedication of clubs up and down Scotland, over £25,000 has been raised in just three years — an incredible achievement that helps support people living with chest, heart and stroke conditions.

Stay tuned for more highlights from today’s second Tartan Teapot Trophy action — plenty of memorable moments still to share!

Arthur Duncan Award 2025 Nominees Announced

We are delighted to announce the 2025 nominees for the prestigious Arthur Duncan Award 2025, an honour that recognises individuals who embody the spirit, dedication, and sportsmanship that defined Arthur Duncan’s remarkable legacy.

The Arthur Duncan Award celebrates those who have made outstanding contributions to walking football—whether through leadership, commitment to community, exceptional playing spirit, or support for the development of the game across Scotland.

This year’s shortlist highlights a diverse and inspiring group of nominees from clubs across the country:

• Bobby Thornton – Dunfermline Dynamos

• David Callaghan – Linlithgow Rose CFC

• Gary Small – Stranraer

• Ian Duncan – Scone WFC

• Jenny Hammond – Linlithgow Rose CFC

• Paul Rendall – Oriam

• Peter Frame – Loanhead

• Richard Gdulewicz – Dunbar

• Richard Sinclair – Alloa Athletic

Each nominee has demonstrated exceptional commitment to walking football, helping grow participation, fostering positive environments, and setting standards of fairness and respect both on and off the pitch.

Walking Football Scotland would also like to thank everyone who submitted nominations this year. Your contributions and continued support help ensure that the spirit of the game—and Arthur Duncan’s legacy—remain strong.

The winner of the Arthur Duncan Award 2025 is selected by the Walking Football Scotland board of trustees, with the announcement to be made in the New Year.

Walking Football Scotland congratulates all nominees and thanks them for their dedication to the game, their clubs, and their communities.

WFS O50’s Men’s Champions League - Forfar WF Champions!

What an incredible finish to the WFS O50’s Men’s Champions League at Ravenscraig today, as Forfar WF produced late, late drama to be crowned champions!

In a hugely competitive afternoon, both Forfar WF and Pollok Utd won all of their matches and played out a tight 1–1 draw against each other, a result that perfectly reflected the quality and consistency shown by both the East and West league champions throughout the 2025 season.

With everything on the line in the final moments of the final game, Forfar found one last kick… and it proved decisive. A dramatic late penalty secured the extra strike they needed to finish level on points but ahead on goal difference, clinching the Champions League title and completing a brilliant league and Champions League double for the Sky Blues.

A massive well done to all six teams who competed and contributed to a thrilling event:

• Arbroath FC

• Braehead FC

• Forfar WF

• Oriam

• Pollok Utd

• Saint Anthony's

A big thank you to all players, coaches, regional reps and referees for an outstanding afternoon of walking football.

What a way to wrap up the O50’s Men’s Champions League!

Photos - Phil Dawson

WFS O40’s Women’s Champions League - Braehead FC - Champions!

A thrilling day at Ravenscraig saw Braehead FC – Navy clinch the WFS Women’s O40’s Champions League title in dramatic fashion edging out their clubmates Braehead FC – Reds on goal difference to lift the trophy.

The competition featured four strong teams:
Braehead FC – Navy, Braehead FC – Reds, Linlithgow Rose – Whites, and Whitletts Victoria, all battling it out for the coveted crown. With such quality on display, the margins were always going to be tight, and in the end, it was goal difference that separated the two Braehead sides at the top.

Braehead Navy held their nerve, showing resilience, togetherness, and clinical finishing when it mattered most. Their narrow edge over Reds reflects just how competitive and high-quality this year’s event has been.

A huge congratulations to Braehead FC – Navy on becoming champions, and well done to all four teams for delivering a fantastic day of women’s walking football.

WFS extends a big thank you to all players, coaches, and referees for their contribution to a superb finale!

Photos - Phil Dawson

WFS O50’s Women’s Champions League - Braehead FC Champions

Braehead FC Make History With Unforgettable WFS Women’s O50’s Treble!

A historic day at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility as Braehead FC were crowned WFS Women’s O50’s Champions League winners, completing an extraordinary competitive treble for 2025.

The four qualifying teams – Braehead FC, Giffnock SC Women, Rangers FFIT and Stenhousemuir – came together for a fantastic afternoon of walking football, showcasing quality, commitment and brilliant sportsmanship throughout.

But it was Braehead FC who once again rose above the rest, delivering another outstanding performance to secure the trophy.

This treble—League title, Scottish Cup, and now the Champions League—cements Braehead FC’s place in WFS history.

WFS extends a huge thank you to all four teams for their contribution to a brilliant event, and to today’s referees for their professionalism and support.

What a way to finish the Women’s O50’s season—champions, history-makers, and an inspiration to all.

Photos - Phil Dawson