Player of the Month (April) - Jim Ramsay & Sam Wells

/

We’re keeping up with our monthly spotlight on Walking Football Scotland Players of the Month! 

For April the Walking Football Scotland Women’s Player of the Month is Sam Wells! Sam plays with the Jeanfield Swifts.

Walking Football Scotland Men’s Player of the Month is James Ramsay! Jim, 66, plays with Tweedvale.

Congratulations Sam and James! They shared their reflections on what Walking Football means to them.

Why did you get involved in walking football?

Sam: “I originally started walking football as I felt I really should be doing some exercise as I was getting older and I needed to get out and about.The gym and aerobics etc were not for me but football was always my love at school (a very long time ago!) so I popped along.”

Jim: “My wife and I retired to Peebles in 2018. To get involved with the local community we looked around at the various clubs and groups in the local area. I spotted a poster about the Walking Football taking place at the Peebles Drill Hall. So I went along in August 2008 and have been going since. It is a great activity for fitness and social well being.”

What positive impact has walking football had on your life?

Jim: “It is honestly one of the best things I have done. I have made amazing friends, the social side is great fun. I now play competitively with the team and am travelling abroad for tournaments. It has made me fitter and feel younger!”

James: “It has helped ease me into retirement. It assists in keeping fit and has helped building new friendships in a new town. Having not played to any level of football during my working life taking part in our twice weekly sessions and Walking Football Scotland league and cup events has further assisted me in having a healthy retirement.”

What would you say to encourage others to come along?

Sam: “Walking Football is what you want it to be. It can just be keeping fit or forming friendships but it can be the opportunity to play competitively and travel. My team has given me so so much more than just playing walking football and I love it!”

Jim: “Give it a go even if you have not played before even in your younger years. You will find a welcome from like minded people and build new friendships that will lead to social bonds within your community.”

Club News

/

We recently launched our new Regional Teams across the country and already interest has been sparked for many of those competitive players and whilst there have been several ‘scouting missions’ for Regional Managers there have also been trial matches like the one pictured below for O50’s West Scotland team.

Some of our teams have also been flying the Scottish flag abroad as they took part in walking football tournaments across Europe, and for Oriam and Pollok Utd it was a trip to Portugal but sadly on this occasion there was no trophy coming home this year.

Midlothian ladies walking football group had fun in the sun with a week in Cyprus playing and training with Pafos United WFC, Aphrodite Wanderers, Akamas Ladies and Polis&Latchi Lionesses.

And finally, our regional representative for Perth & Kinross, Michael Cranston, recently spent some time in Vienna and joined a session with Austria Walking Football. Established in 2023, Michael chatted to Uwe Mauch, who led the development of this walking football group and shared his walking football story:

Uwe, what made you decide to establish walking football in Vienna?

“I saw Walking Football for the first time in my life on German TV. The way those old players were smiling after the game made me sure immediately: Uwe, this is your game!”

What level of interest have you had in walking football since you started?

“I am a journalist and football fanatic. But we have, since I established the first course in April 2023, completely other aims with Walking Football like people in the UK. National team? Makes no sense. Any kind of leagues? Much too serious. We want to have fun, not 1000 discussions about the rules and the refs. OK, we are playing this year some international friendly games, but afterwards we are sitting together to have some nice drinks and a lot of fun.”

In Scotland, a lot of the professional clubs or community trusts associated with the clubs have set up walking football sessions, has there been any interest from the professional teams in Austria?

“Football in Austria is different like in Scotland. It does not have the same tradition like in your country. I asked all professional teams in Vienna if they would like to cooperate. Answers till now: zero.”

I really enjoyed the session with your group and lots of similarities with the game in Scotland, including arguments over what is running! Two different rules really struck me though… no goalkeepers and allowing more than 3 touches! What was the thinking around setting up these rules and does it make you play in a certain way?

“Playing without goalkeeper is less dangerous especially for the older players. I realised this when I visited our german friends. I played with my friends in Croatia with goalkeepers, and I enjoyed. My opinion: Goalkeepers are great for the "younger generation" (till 60). If you become older you should be more careful and reasonable.

Three touch rule we learned from you, Michael. We tried it in our training session last Friday and I like it.”

How do you hope walking football will develop in Austria in the coming years? Do you look to Germany, or even the set up in Scotland for inspiration?

“Things are going very slowly in Austria. But I don't care. If something is growing too fast it could make problems. We are very interested in experiences elsewhere. We are in good contact with our neighbours in Germany, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia. But may be one day we will visit you in Scotland. In our team will be for sure one who is able to keep our goal. Let us keep in contact!”

midlothian ladies

midlothian ladies

pollok utd

regional rep mike cranston in austria

o50’s west region trials with manager john campbell and assistant bobby mccrory

O65's WEST PREMIERSHIP

/

It’s all change at the top of the West O65’s Premiership as clubs met for Round 2 today at Toryglen Regional Football Centre.

Pollok Thistle drop down to third with North Lanarkshire Council top of the league, 5 points ahead of Townhead Strollers.

There is still a lot to play for as we reach the half way point in the season but North Lanarkshire lead the way in a strong position ahead of the rest.

We look forward in welcoming you back after the summer!

O50's WEST PREMIERSHIP & CHAMPIONSHIP

/

It’s Round 2 this coming Sunday for the Over 50’s in the West of the country as they meet at Ravenscraig.

Saint Anthony’s - Whites topped the table after Round 1 closely followed by Motherwell FC CT after an impressive start to life in the Premiership but both teams will play each other this coming Sunday.

In the Championship, it was 3 wins in 3 games for Carrick WFC as they took part in their first league action for the Over 50’s but they commence with match against Pollok Thistle who currently sit third in the league.

All the best to all teams this Sunday!

O65's EAST PREMIERSHIP

/

Back to league action for the East O65’s Premiership and its all change at the top with Linlithgow Rose CFC now leading the way.

After a good day of walking football and great sportsmanship on show all afternoon, points were dropped by previous leaders Alloa Athletic and Stenhousemuir that now sees Linlithgow Rose top of the pile.

We say a big thank you to Regional Reps for their support today and we look forward in welcoming clubs back for Round 3 on Monday 3rd June.

O50’s East Premiership & Championship

/

Our Over 50’s in the East of the country recommenced their respective leagues at the RPC Dundee today.

It’s all change at the top of the Premiership with Hearts moving top with Raith Rovers now second.

In the Championship, it’s even tighter at the top with Carnoustie Panmure only 1 goal ahead on goal difference from Forfar1298.

We are back in the East tomorrow as it’s the turn of the Over 65’s to recommence their league action at Oriam - fixtures can be found on earlier news on our website.

Dunbar Walking Football - Hampden Park Visit

/

Through the support of our partnership with Scottish Football Museum and Football Memories Scotland, saw Dunbar WFC visit our National Stadium on Wednesday for a tour of Hampden Park and Museum.

Dunbar, led by Regional Rep, Richard Gdulewicz, have seen growth in the club over the last number of years and they also welcomed players from Oriam and Hearts with Regional Rep David Barr, for their visit to Hampden Park.

The group enjoyed their tour before changing in the Home dressing room and taking part in a walking football match within the Warm Up Area. An opportunity to learn all about Football Memories Scotland followed before enjoying reminiscing around the Hampden Museum.

We thank our friends at Hampden Museum and Football Memories Scotland for another enjoyable day and if any other clubs are looking for a similar experience, please contact Matt Ramsay at matt@walkingfootballscotland.orgm

O50's EAST PREMIERSHIP & CHAMPIONSHIP

/

Our Over 50’s in the East of the country recommence their respective leagues at the RPC Dundee this coming Sunday.

Arbroath - Maroon will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the league but face 2nd, 3rd and 4th place teams to what we are sure will be difficult games.

In the Championship, only goal difference keeps Carnoustie Panmure and Forfar1298 apart, but what will the league tables look like come Sunday night? Only time will tell.

All the very best to all teams!

Club News

/

We have been delighted to see the excellent stories over the past few weeks of our clubs working together as well as personal achievements and recognitions.

Recently R FFIT visited Rossvale in a friendly match ahead of them both taking part in the Glasgow Trophy Ladies event.

On Motherwell Fc’s ‘Well Society Day’, Brian from their walking football group was asked to to place the match ball on the centre spot as they recognised inspirational figures within their club and community. Well done Brian!

On World Parkinson’s Day, the Glasgow Life walking footballers had a special treat with visit from the Scottish Cup on its 150th Anniversary and then shared in a special celebration meal with partners and family courtesy of Celtic FC Foundation.

And finally, the Glasgow Trophy hosted by Glasgow Life took place last week where a tremendous 120 clubs and over 1000 players from across the UK took part to be crowned champions. Well done to Linlithgow Rose, North Lanarkshire Council, Alloa Athletic and Ayr Utd who picked up honours as well as Bolton Arena (Ladies) but a special congratulations to Glasgow Life for once again providing an excellent event for all.

rossvale v r ffit

brian from motherwell fc ct

world parkinsons day

world parkinsons day

Parkinson's Partnership - Pars Foundation & Raith Rovers Community Foundation

/

We are delighted to announce that we will be working with The Pars Foundation and The Raith Rovers Community Foundation whom have joined together to deliver sessions for those on their journey with Parkinson’s.

Brian Carson, trustee of Parkinson’s UK commented: “What a wonderful provision for those who have Parkinson’s within Fife, it’s great that two clubs have joined together in creating these sessions.”

Drew Wilson, WFS Parkinson’s Educator, added: “Football brings a lot of fun and camaraderie, no matter what you’re going through. The power of football helps us keep healthy and supports our mental health. Well done to The Pars Foundation and Raith Rovers Community Foundation in delivering this project. Good luck to everyone involved!”

What does a typical session look like?
- A dynamic warm-up including stretching and movement
- Drills and coaching sessions
- A game of Walking Football
- A warm down
- A get together with tea and coffee

Based at Pitreavie Sport & Soccer Centre and Starks Park, The Walking Football project provides fun, inclusive and low-impact walking football sessions and social engagement activities for people living with Parkinson`s to improve their social, physical and mental health.

Carers and family members are welcome to stay and enjoy a cup of tea and a chat with others from the programme.

Sessions start Thursday 2nd May, 10.30 am-12pm and are free to attend, with the first session based at Pitreavie Sports and Soccer Centre (astro turf)

To find out more information contact stewart@parsfoundation.co.uk or jj.henderson@raithrovers.net or call 01383 745901.

World Parkinson’s Day

/

Today we celebrate 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗻’𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 and give thanks to all the players with Parkinson’s who take part in sessions across the country.

Through our new partnership with Parkinson's UK we look forward in growing our game with more opportunities for people with Parkinson’s to take part and we will have further exciting news very soon.

If you have Parkinson’s or you know someone who does, check out this video from one of our clubs, Glasgow Life who launched their session in partnership with Celtic FC Foundation last year and the impact it can have on those whom attend - https://youtu.be/R_S3prYWDa4?si=IV6eaT9Dhl9YYkTm

O60's EAST PREMIERSHIP & CHAMPIONSHIP

/

Our Over 60’s Walking Footballers in the East of the country kicked off their competitive league action today at Oriam National Performance Centre.

14 teams split over 2 divisions travelled through to the capital and its Dundee East CSC who top the Premiership and Stenhousemuir 95’ the Championship, respectively after Round 1’s fixtures.

We thank all players, referees, regional reps and venue staff for their support and look forward in welcoming you all back for Round 2 on 13th June.

Photographs - photosbyphild.com

Player of the Month (March) - Kenny McLeod & Kath Kimmet

/

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

For March the Walking Football Scotland Women’s Player of the Month is Kath Kimmet! Kath, 62, plays with Giffnock and Drumchapel United FC.

Walking Football Scotland Men’s Player of the Month is Kenny! Kenny, 63, plays with Glasgow Life.

Congratulations Kath and Kenny! They shared their reflections on what Walking Football means to them.

Why did you get involved in walking football?

Kath: “It allows me to continue my participation in football, when I thought my playing days were behind me. I wanted  to increase my fitness levels to help my body cope with the symptoms of Parkinsons Disease.”

Kenny: “I got involved in walking football in the first instance because it’s the sport I’ve always been in involved in as a player, coach and manager through the years. When you get to a certain age you realise that opportunities to play become less and less. However, when the opportunity arose to be able to play the game with people of my age group, it was like a new lease of life.”

What positive impact has walking football had on your life?

Kath: “It has improved my mental and physical wellbeing. The social aspect of taking up the sport has proved to be as, if not more, important than the fitness benefits.”

Kenny: “I’ve been playing walking football for around a decade now and have experienced numerous advantages. The health and social benefits have undeniably been beneficial. My participation in walking football provided me with a unique opportunity and blend of regular exercise, competition and social interaction which was a significant factor in my recovery from a heart attack. The various intensity levels ranging from low to high intensity were instrumental in my recovery to full fitness.”

What would you say to encourage others to come along?

Kath: “Whether or not you have played football before is irrelevant. The emphasis at all sessions is placed on the the physical and mental health benefits and the importance of creating a comfortable environment where all are welcome.”

Kenny: “The benefits of walking football vary for everyone. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach; it’s entirely inclusive. From both health and social perspectives, the advantages are substantial. I highly recommend giving it a try, there’s no reason not to.”