Walking Football Partnership with Drinkaware

Helping walking football participants across Scotland make better choices about their drinking.

l-r Andy Gould, Scottish FA Head of Football Development, Gary McLaughlin, Chairman of Walking Football Scotland, Ian Maxwell, Chief Executive of the Scottish FA, Elaine Hindal, Drinkaware Chief Executive and Craig Brown CBE.

l-r Andy Gould, Scottish FA Head of Football Development, Gary McLaughlin, Chairman of Walking Football Scotland, Ian Maxwell, Chief Executive of the Scottish FA, Elaine Hindal, Drinkaware Chief Executive and Craig Brown CBE.

The Scottish FA welcomed national alcohol education charity Drinkaware as a new research partner of walking football and Walking Football Scotland are delighted to play their part in the partnership.

Working together, Drinkaware will gather vital information from walking football participants on their health and alcohol consumption, allowing them to monitor participants’ drinking habits and subsequently try to improve them.

Drinkaware will also distribute information on drinking and its effects on health to our participants in order to educate them on the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption and the benefits of regular exercise.

The partnership was launched at Lesser Hampden on 23 October, with a team of Drinkaware ambassadors, watching a walking football match, organised by WFS Trustee Matt Ramsay and meeting former Scotland National Team manager Craig Brown CBE and others passionate about walking football.

Great to see the players enjoying walking football at Lesser Hampden.

Great to see the players enjoying walking football at Lesser Hampden.

Gary McLaughlin, Chairman of Walking Football Scotland said: “This partnership encourages us to talk about alcohol and drinking habits. Drinkaware provides easy access to tools and information to help work out the amounts we are drinking and to educate ourselves and be more aware of the risks of misuse.

“Walking Football Scotland are delighted to be working with both these organisations to deliver better informed choices about drinking”

Elaine Hindal, Drinkaware Chief Executive, said: “Drinkaware is delighted to be the headline partner of walking football in Scotland.

“Walking football is an increasingly popular and fun way for older people to improve their health and wellbeing and we are committed to finding new and innovative ways of reducing the harms caused by alcohol.

“Working in partnership with Walking Football Scotland and the Scottish Football Association is a fantastic new opportunity, which allows us to work directly with communities across Scotland to help people make better choices about their drinking.”

Ian Maxwell, Chief Executive of the Scottish FA, said: “Walking football is a fast-growing initiative with clear health benefits, which dovetails with Drinkaware’s mission of promoting healthier lifestyles through a reduction in alcohol consumption.

“The health benefits of both responsible, informed drinking and increasing participation in sport are obvious. We are extremely pleased to welcome Drinkaware on board to both help to grow this wonderful sport and improve knowledge and awareness of responsible drinking.”

Craig Brown, who is also a patron of Walking Football Scotland, said: “Walking football is a fantastic way for people of my generation, who are perhaps no longer able to play at a quick pace, to participate in this wonderful sport and remain active.

“Drinkaware’s mission of promoting healthier lifestyles ties in perfectly with the ethos of walking football, which is to provide a platform for as many people as possible to remain fit and enjoy a healthy lifestyle.”

Supported by the Scottish FA and Walking Football Scotland, the sport aims to improve, maintain and promote the physical, mental and social wellbeing of older adults through a slower-paced version of the beautiful game.

FOOTBALL FOR LIFEl-r Gary McLaughlin, Elaine Hindal and Andy Gould at the launch

FOOTBALL FOR LIFE

l-r Gary McLaughlin, Elaine Hindal and Andy Gould at the launch

Drinkaware Ambassadors joined Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA Chief Exec., Craig Brown and others pitch side at Hampden park.

Drinkaware Ambassadors joined Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA Chief Exec., Craig Brown and others pitch side at Hampden park.

For further information on Drinkaware, please go to link below;

https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/

Walking Football Scotland celebrate Age Scotland's 75th Anniversary

Walking Football Scotland Trustees with Age Scotland CEO Brian Sloanl-r Brian Sloan, Vivian Wallace and Gary McLaughlin

Walking Football Scotland Trustees with Age Scotland CEO Brian Sloan

l-r Brian Sloan, Vivian Wallace and Gary McLaughlin

Walking Football Scotland Trustees Vivian Wallace and Chairman Gary McLaughlin were delighted to accept an invitation to a birthday party at a special parliamentary reception in the Scottish Parliament, sponsored by Christine Grahame MSP, to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Age Scotland.

WFS are affiliated to Age Scotland and proud to be part of the big family that came together to enjoy the celebrations for this landmark occasion.

The event looked back at where Age Scotland came from, what they are doing just now for older people across the country and more importantly to the future. The new Minister for Older People, Christina McKelvie MSP, thanked the contributions of hundreds of charity supporters over the span of Age Scotland’s 75 years.

Walking Football Scotland Trustee Vivian Wallace said :
“Fantastic to be a part of the 75th celebration for an important organisation that has helped to change the lives of older people throughout Scotland and such an interesting evening hearing of all the achievements made over the years.” 

Brian Sloan, Age Scotland’s Chief Executive said:
“We’re delighted to celebrate this significant anniversary with so many older people’s groups, supporters and volunteers who’ve built and contributed to our work over the last 75 years. It is especially welcome that Scotland’s first Minister for Older People will help lead this celebration and to Deputy Presiding Officer Christine Grahame for hosting this reception in the Scottish Parliament.
“Over the last 75 years, Age Scotland and predecessor charities from the Scottish Older People’s Welfare Committee, to Age Concern and Help the Aged have been at the forefront of campaigning to improve the lives of older people in Scotland. The history is fascinating and the issues affecting the lives of older people have broadly remained consistent. Housing, poverty, health and loneliness are all issues which affect older people as much today as they did 75 years ago. We have come far, but there is still a long way to go.

Christine Grahame MSP and Lord George Foulkes Chairman of Age Scotlandphotographs by Ellie Clinch http://www.elliemorag.com

Christine Grahame MSP and Lord George Foulkes Chairman of Age Scotland

photographs by Ellie Clinch http://www.elliemorag.com

Let's Celebrate Good Mental Health

We all have Mental Health and Walking Football Scotland is encouraging groups to be more aware of mental health, by connecting with other players at their next walking football session. Putting five minutes aside to ask someone how they are doing is a simple and easy first step to take.

It’s good to talk about mental health, and this Wednesday the 10th of October is World Mental Health Day, let’s make an extra effort and take a step towards better mental health and awareness.

Walking football brings benefits simply by playing, Health, Social Isolation, Camaraderie and Banter to name a few.

Gary McLaughlin chairman of WFS said “Being active is good for us physically, but it is more than that, it has been proven to have a positive effect on our mental health and well being. That is why we are encouraging our members and groups to make an extra effort and promote World Mental Health Day.”

Let us know if your session spoke about Mental Health.

We are looking for centres across Scotland to get involved.

Let’s celebrate good mental health and do something positive to prevent bad mental health.

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Scottish Parliamentary Reception on Yoga: Mental Health and Wellbeing.

l-r Robert Nesbitt SAMH, Colin Mackay, Gary McLaughlin and Angus MacDonald MSP

l-r Robert Nesbitt SAMH, Colin Mackay, Gary McLaughlin and Angus MacDonald MSP

Bringing to life how yoga can support positive mental health

Walking Football Scotland trustees Colin Mackay and Chairman Gary McLaughlin joined others at a special parliamentary reception in the Scottish Parliament, sponsored by Angus MacDonald MSP on Tuesday 2nd of September.

 The event highlighted the benefits Yoga has on our mental health and acknowledged SAMH, who were celebrating the successful launch of their Mental Health Charter.

 The Charter has now attracted 114 signatories from sports governing bodies, local authorities and clubs from across Scotland.

Lindsey D Porter of Yoga-Nu-U led the discussions and introduced the workshops and demonstrations on the benefits Yoga brings to mental health.

 The speakers were inspirational and included Agnes Houston MBE who has experienced dementia for over 12 years.

She told the audience: “Dementia is about more than memory; yoga is more than exercise."

 John Arthur shared his experiences of a traumatic upbringing, the impacts of this on his life, and his battle with alcohol and drug addiction.  He spoke movingly about the benefits of Yoga and how it transformed his life and both were great advocates for the power of a healthy lifestyle and good mental health through yoga – proving once again that physical activity through sport or recreation has a positive impact on our lives and the lives of others.  

Robert Nesbitt, the Head of Physical Activity and Sport, for SAMH talked about the benefits of physical activity on our mental health.

 He added: “We all have mental health, but that doesn’t mean we have to struggle with it, there are so many opportunities out there within the physical activity and sports communities, but we have to ensure that there is no barriers to engaging, participating and achieving.”

 WFS Trustee Colin MacKay said: “The evening was fantastic and everyone who spoke did so with strength, passion and humour. Agnes and John’s stories were inspiring and will stay with me for a long time.”

WFS were one of the early organisations to sign up to the Charter, declare our support and create an action plan to demonstrate our commitment to promoting mental health and wellbeing.  We have been engaging with SAMH in the promotion of activities, whilst they are providing resources for affiliated groups that supports, raises awareness and makes us appreciate how physical and mental health are equally important to our general wellbeing.

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Third biggest Cancer killer in the UK

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WFS chairman Gary McLaughlin and Angela Culhane, Chief Executive Officer, Prostate Cancer UK in Glasgow.

WFS chairman Gary McLaughlin and Angela Culhane, Chief Executive Officer, Prostate Cancer UK in Glasgow.

Walking Football Scotland met with Prostate Cancer UK’s Chief Executive Angela Culhane to discuss the way forward for both organisations... and education was top of the agenda.

Prostate Cancer UK is WFS’s charity partner and the meeting focused on the how to reach as many men as possible and increase awareness of the disease.

The plans include sharing literature about the disease with the aim of encouraging people to take greater responsibility for their health and wellbeing.

Angela said: “Prostate Cancer UK is delighted to be working with Walking Football Scotland to raise awareness about the disease, especially amongst men over 50, as well as to raise funds towards vital research. 

“It’s great to see the growth in popularity of walking football in Scotland and across the UK. It supports health improvements in so many ways and we are proud to be involved.”

Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer in men and is the third biggest cancer killer in the UK with Prostate Cancer UK leading research into diagnosis and treatment.

About one in eight men will be diagnosed with Prostate Cancer at some point in their lives.

WFS will be coordinating a series of events next year with a fundraising initiative, asking members and member groups to get behind the charity and raise money to help beat this disease.

Gary McLaughlin, chairman of Walking Football Scotland, said: “It was great to meet up with Angela and some of her staff in the offices here in Scotland. We all realise the importance of research into prostate cancer and that funding is crucial. Our members are sadly of the age this disease most commonly strikes and it makes perfect sense to raise awareness and at the same time to raise funds for this worthwhile charity.”

WFS Board will meet soon to discuss putting this plan into action.

For more information on Prostate Cancer please follow the link below:

https://prostatecanceruk.org/

l-r WFS Chairman Gary McLaughlin meeting Gerard McMahon Change Delivery Officer, Angela Culhane CEO and Bronwyn O’Riordan Fundraising Manager - Scotland of Prostate Cancer UK.

l-r WFS Chairman Gary McLaughlin meeting Gerard McMahon Change Delivery Officer, Angela Culhane CEO and Bronwyn O’Riordan Fundraising Manager - Scotland of Prostate Cancer UK.

Step forward Dundee

Focus group meeting in Dundee

Focus group meeting in Dundee

Walking football took another step forward last night, when the East Region of the Scottish FA hosted another pilot focus group meeting of walking footballers from across the area in their offices in Dundee.

The meeting was chaired by Tony Smith the Walking Football Scotland Trustee for the East and was supported by Kevin Lee the Scottish FA Regional manager and his team.

The delegates in attendance, representing teams and groups from across the region were joined by Walking Football Scotland Chairman Gary McLaughlin and a wide range of issues was covered.

WFS chairman Gary McLaughlin said:

“It was great to be at the meeting and to get first hand information of how walking football is growing in the East Region and to see people travelling from Perth, Scone and as far as Kirkcaldy was impressive. Everyone is passionate about walking football and that is a major factor to the development of the sport.”

 There was a healthy debate on a wide range of subjects and the issue of competition versus health benefits was a major feature. Competitive Leagues, Friendly Festivals, Age and mixed and women only sessions were some of the topics for discussion.

Walking football is still relatively new and is growing fast but lack of numbers still limit the speed of development in areas such as setting different age limits, but that is changing.

WFS Trustee Tony Smith said “I am fortunate that the Area reps in the East Region focus group share a common purpose, which is to try and promote walking football and all the benefits it brings to participants. Discussions are frank and open about concerns and feedback we get from our members. Following on from these discussions we aim to make any necessary compromises to help engage as many members as possible in organised competitive and non-competitive tournaments.

Ravenscraig League Fixtures for 26th September

Hearts 98 top the League with three sessions left to play and being pushed hard by two very good sides in joint second place, Gala Fairydean Rovers and Hearts 56.

Good luck to all taking part next week.

Action from Ayr United Parkhouse V North Lanarkshire Leisure (red)

Action from Ayr United Parkhouse V North Lanarkshire Leisure (red)

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Ravenscraig Walking Football Fixtures 26th September 2018 

FIXTURE 1

Hearts 98 v Ayr United Parkhouse

Hearts 56 v Fife Wanderers

Gala Fairydean Rovers v Glasgow Sport East

North Lanarkshire Leisure v Stenhousemuir

Oriam v Glasgow Sport West

Ayr United Beresford v Motherwell

 FIXTURE 2

Hearts 98 v Glasgow Sport East

Hearts 56 v Motherwell

Gala Fairydean Rovers v Ayr United Parkhouse

Oriam v Fife Wanderers

Glasgow Sport West v North Lanarkshire Leisure

Ayr United Beresford v Stenhousemuir

 FIXTURE 3

Glasgow Sport East v Motherwell

North Lanarkshire Leisure v Ayr United Beresford

Hearts 56 v Ayr United Parkhouse

Glasgow Sport West v Fife Wanderers

Gala Fairydean Rovers v Oriam

Stenhousemuir v Hearts 98

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Healthy Body, Healthy Mind

Signing up to Scotland’s Mental Health Charter

WFS Committment

Scotland’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport is the charity SAMH’s latest programme with groups covering various sports and activities from rollerblading to basketball, yoga to walking football - all signing up to create positive lasting change in people’s mental wellbeing

Walking Football Scotland feels this is a major part in what we aim to deliver and are proud to make a commitment and create an action plan and strategy, enabling us to meet the needs of the Charter working with SAMH.

Many of our players feel the benefit in engaging and re-engaging in sport,  walking football in particular is helping many connect and reconnect , making new friends, having something to aim for, the camaraderie, fitness and social activities all central to WFS and many of us share the positive stories in our groups and sessions across Scotland.

WFS Chairman Gary McLaughlin said: “Walking Football Scotland recognise the impact that physical activity and sport can have on our physical and mental health and our general wellbeing. Mental health and physical health should be of equal value, and we will raise awareness amongst our membership, partners and public to ensure equality is at the heart of what we do.”

Scotland’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport aims to improve equality and reduce discrimination for anyone with a mental health issue and to remove any and all barriers and allow participation for all.

It was with this in mind the WFS Board worked to achieve the requirements and were rewarded in June this year when the then Minister for Public Health and Sport Aileen Campbell was able to help us promote WFS commitment to signing up to the Charter.

The photograph shows l-r chair Gary McLaughlin, Aileen Campbell MSP, Robert Nesbitt of SAMH and Treasurer David Hyland with the Charter Documentation in June this year.

The photograph shows l-r chair Gary McLaughlin, Aileen Campbell MSP, Robert Nesbitt of SAMH and Treasurer David Hyland with the Charter Documentation in June this year.

 Signing up

Another first for the organisation saw Walking Football Scotland in August this year being one of the first 50 groups in the country to sign up to Scotland’s Mental Health Charter.
WFS was delighted to join SAMH in a celebration of their work in physical activity, sport and mental health in Glasgow (Friday August 10th) and complete the signing of the charter.
Over the course of the morning WFS chairman Gary McLaughlin had an opportunity to breakfast with SAMH friends and fellow signatories to the SAMH Mental Health Charter from across sport, business and health and to take part in a question and answer session with SAMH Ambassadors, Sir Chris Hoy and Adam Peaty, hosted by sports broadcaster Jill Douglas.

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Sir Chris Hoy and Adam Peaty have joined forces with SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) and the Olympic stars are urging sports clubs across the country to encourage more people to get physically active to improve their mental wellbeing.

Sir Chris Hoy, SAMH ambassador, said: “Everyone should have the chance to get active and learn to use physical activity and sport to help live a happier, healthier life and we need to ensure funding is in place to deliver initiatives to support this.

“I myself have truly benefitted from the positive impact of physical activity and there should never be barriers to prevent anyone from getting active.

“SAMH is leading the way in Scotland ensuring sporting organisations and groups recognise the power of physical activity and encourage everyone to take part in their activities no matter who they are or what their personal struggle may be.”

WFS join some of the 50 signatories to the Charter in Glasgow.

WFS join some of the 50 signatories to the Charter in Glasgow.

WFS has signed up to the Mental Health Charter because it shares and believes in the Charter’s principal and is committed to preventing any barriers that stops any of Walking Football Scotland’s participants, friends, players and communities, engaging, participating and achieving their goals. The organisation aims to increase awareness by creating a deeper knowledge and understanding of Mental Health and Wellbeing for all. Everyone should have a social responsibility and this is core to Walking Football Scotland.

l-r Graeme Henderson Director of Delivery and Development SAMH, Ian Beattie vice Chair of SAMH look on as Walking Football Scotland Chair Gary McLaughlin signs up to the Mental Health Charter.

l-r Graeme Henderson Director of Delivery and Development SAMH, Ian Beattie vice Chair of SAMH look on as Walking Football Scotland Chair Gary McLaughlin signs up to the Mental Health Charter.

WFS intend to roll out the Charter and help our members understand more about mental health issues by using the advice from SAMH in e-learning and toolkit form and use the pathway for better understanding and support all participants of walking football.

Robert Nesbitt SAMH Head of Physical Activity and Sport said: “It was great that Walking Football Scotland could join us and looking forward to see you realise your Charter action plan and difference that it will make to breaking down the barriers to engaging, participating and achieving!”

Gretna Fundraiser for Prostate Cancer UK

Gretna FC 2008  are making strides to help stop prostate cancer being a killer by organising their own Friendly Football Festival as part of Prostate Cancer UK’s first Walking Football Month. The friendly walking football Festival will take place on Sunday 30th September at Raydale Park, Gretna. 

The Anvils have stepped up to join more than 45 other walking football clubs across the UK in signing up to host a friendly Festival this September, in a bid to fight back against the most common cancer in men.

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Walking Football Month in Scotland has also been backed by former Scotland football manager Craig Brown CBE, Walking Football Scotland’s Ambassador.

Craig said: “Prostate Cancer UK's Walking Football Month, this month of September, will be featuring Gretna FC 2008 who will be hosting their own friendly Festival to raise awareness and funds for important research. In the UK, about 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives.”

“With the Scotland Women's Team qualifying for the first time for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup in France. I am honoured to be the co-ambassador of Walking Football in Scotland.  My colleague is none other than, and arguably, Scotland's most famous female player, Rose Reilly.” 

Since Gary McLaughlin, Chairman of Walking Football Scotland, invited Rose and me to become involved, I have been hugely impressed by the rapid expansion of this popular sport and as a Member of the League Managers Association it is understandable that I'm fully supportive of both its involvement in raising awareness of Prostate Cancer and also of the impact which Walking Football will have, this month in particular. I am sure everyone will wish all the best to Stuart Rome and Gretna 2008 in their fantastic and generous efforts, and to support them in any way we can to raise money for research and rid ourselves of prostate cancer.

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Walking Football Scotland chairman Gary McLaughlin said: “We are delighted to be involved and working with Prostate Cancer UK. Our age group sadly is the group which is mainly affected by prostate cancer. Although only males have a prostate gland, families can be dramatically changed by this disease.  It is in the best interest of our male and female members to help, support and get involved. All credit to Stuart and Gretna 2008 for doing just that and to their commitment and generosity for a very worthwhile cause. ”

Get along to Raydale Park and raise some money for a worthwhile cause and have some fun.

Ravenscraig League Fixtures for 29th August 2018

Summer break is over and everyone is looking forward to the return of the National league fixtures next Wednesday 29th August at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility.

The last set of games left Heart of Midlothian 98 top of the table on 18 points, two points ahead of their good friends Heart of Midlothian 56 and joint third place with 14 points each were Gala Fairydean Rovers and Glasgow Sport West.

The League is organised by Walking Football Scotland in partnership with North Lanarkshire Leisure and Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire.

Good Luck to all participants.

For fixtures see below:

Ravenscraig Walking Football Fixtures 29th August 2018                                                                 

Fixture 1

Hearts 98 v Motherwell

Hearts 56 v Glasgow Sport West

Gala Fairydean Rovers v Ayr United Beresford

North Lanarkshire Leisure v Ayr United Parkhouse

Fife Wanderers v Stenhousemuir

Oriam v Glasgow Sport East

Fixture 2

Fife Wanderers v Hearts 98

Glasgow Sport East v Glasgow Sport West

Ayr United Parkhouse v Oriam

Stenhousemuir v Motherwell

Hearts 56 v Ayr United Beresford

Gala Fairydean Rovers v North Lanarkshire Leisure

Fixture 3

Oriam v North Lanarkshire Leisure

Fife Wanderers v Gala Fairydean Rovers

Ayr United Beresford v Ayr United Parkhouse

Stenhousemuir v Glasgow Sport East

Motherwell v Glasgow Sport West

Hearts 98 v Hearts 56

Festival was a walk on the Green

The launch of the Cup and Festival 2018

The launch of the Cup and Festival 2018

A fantastic day was had by everyone at the Walking Football Scotland Scottish Cup and Festival at Glasgow Green on Saturday June 23.

Huge thanks must go to the Minister of Public Health and Sport, Aileen Campbell MSP for her support and kicking off the Festival and Baillie Russell Robertson of Glasgow City Council for the warm welcome and the weather.

The event - which we believe to be the biggest of its kind in the UK - also had the backing of the Scottish Football Partnership Trust and Paths for All charity and a very special mention goes to Glasgow Sport and Matt Ramsay in particular for hosting such a celebration of walking football.

Walking Football Scotland Chairman Gary McLaughlin said: “We are absolutely delighted with the Event today. We had over 600 people on Glasgow Green, engaged and active through walking football. Everything was so good, weather was fantastic, the competition although keen was played in an exceptionally sporting temperament and the non-competitive Festival was walking football at its best.  The challenge will be trying to better it next year.”

Ian Maxwell Chief Executive of the Scottish FA lent his support to the event and it was good to see a number of celebrities and former players taking part in walking football.

A total of 32 teams took part in the Scottish Cup and 24 teams in the non-competitive Festival put the icing on the cake and the event ended with a dramatic final between Gretna 2008 v Ayr United FC, resulting in a 2-2 draw with Gretna winning the cup on penalty kicks... drama till the end.

Players travelled from across Scotland and the team with possibly the farthest to travel went home with the Fair Play Award:  well done Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Netball Scotland put on a come and try walking netball and proved to be very popular

Other partners were there to enjoy and add their support to the event from Age Scotland, Cardiac Science, Prostate Cancer UK and great to see SAMH, Age Scotland and the Scottish FA field a team. 

Planning will start soon on next year’s Walking Football Scotland Scottish Cup and Festival and we hope to see you again!

Click on the image below to see more photographs from the day.

Montrose looking for a first double in walking football.

Countdown is on, ONE day to go till the Scottish Cup and Festival at Glasgow Green. Montrose are sending down two teams.

Montrose ladies enter into the fun Festival

Montrose ladies enter into the fun Festival

Montrose are sending two teams down to Glasgow on Saturday making a first in two categories. The ladies team making the first full squad of women ever to play in a National event, whilst the men are looking to be the first team to win the Scottish Cup on two occasions. The second double is on.

Montrose gents looking for a double win in the Cup

Montrose gents looking for a double win in the Cup

Links Park Community Trust was established in 2011 with one very simple goal; to utilise the power and widespread appeal of sport to inspire change. Six years later they out performed all other 41 clubs in Scotland, scooping the Best Professional Club in the Community trophy.

Walking football plays a significant part in the trust’s activities with both men and women regularly taking part in sessions and in 2016, the men’s team won the walking football Scottish Cup at Ainslie Park Edinburgh,

Project Officer Logan Cruikshank said: “The Montrose Waking Football Club comes under the umbrella of the Links Park Community Trust and was formed around three years ago. The sessions have grown and we now have around forty men taking part in two sessions every week. We have a competitive or high intensity session for over 50's and also a non-competitive session with no age restriction where the players are happy to play for the enjoyment.

 “We also have a women’s session with no age restrictions who will be playing in the national festival. Their average age is between 45-50 but there is a big age gap between the youngest at 21 and the oldest at 64.

“I understand that ours is the only all-female walking football sessions in Scotland and possibly the UK. I know many women play the sport but they all play in mixed teams.

“The Ladies recently played a friendly match against St Johnstone which I believe was the first all-female walking football match in the country.

“In 2016, the men’s team won the Scottish Cup in Edinburgh which helped boost the numbers. Their achievement was reported in the local press and via social media and things went crazy.

“That was their first big tournament and they didn’t know what to expect and had no idea of what the standard would be like so everyone was delighted when they returned with the trophy.

 “We are still keen to increase the numbers but the problem is persuading people to give the sport a try. I often speak to people who think they are fit enough to play regular fives but they don’t appreciate how hard walking football can be.

“All the players are looking forward to the event in Glasgow. The men’s team are taking part in the Scottish Cup and the Ladies side will play in the festival. We are looking to hire a coach so both teams can travel through together.

“I appreciate the health benefits from playing walking football and as a community trust we have to evidence this to help with funding requests. One testimonial was from a player who was on medication for high blood pressure and diabetes. Playing walking football and other activities has helped him reduce his medication by half which is fantastic.

“The players are all at an age where health problems can occur so keeping fit is important and they all recognise this.”

 Walking Football Scotland wish the best of luck to Montrose and all the walking football groups travelling to Glasgow this Saturday.