Club News
/The walking football community continues to demonstrate why our game is about so much more than football. Across Scotland, clubs are creating opportunities for people to stay active, supporting worthwhile causes, remembering those who helped build the game and bringing communities together through a shared passion for walking football.
This latest round-up highlights another fantastic mix of festivals, community events, dementia-friendly football and inclusive participation, all showcasing the incredible work taking place at club level every week.
Ayr United's Dementia Walking Football Celebrates the World Cup ❤️⚽
Ayr United Football Academy's Dementia Friendly Walking Football group enjoyed a special afternoon at Shoot Soccer, celebrating the excitement of the recent FIFA World Cup Final in true walking football style.
The weekly session combined football, fun and plenty of smiles as participants came together to mark the occasion, highlighting the positive impact that walking football continues to have on people living with dementia and their families.
More than just a game, the sessions provide a welcoming environment where participants can stay active, build friendships, improve wellbeing and enjoy the social benefits that football brings.
The Dementia Friendly Walking Football group meets every Monday from 2pm to 4pm at Shoot Soccer, with new participants always welcome to come along and give it a try.
A huge well done to everyone involved in delivering this fantastic programme, which continues to make a real difference in the local community by showing how football can bring people together at every stage of life. 👏❤️⚽
Ayr United Football Academy Honours John Clark at Annual Memorial Festival ❤️⚽
Around 60 players came together at Shoot Soccer for the annual John Clark Memorial Walking Football Festival, enjoying a fantastic day of football, friendship and remembrance.
The festival, organised by Ayr United Football Academy, saw eight squads of regular academy players and invited guests compete in a closely contested league format, with each team playing seven matches throughout the day.
After an exciting tournament, Shoot Sluggers, managed by Brian McKenna, were crowned champions, edging out the competition on goal difference. The John Clark Memorial Trophy was presented by Ruth Clark in honour of her late husband, John, whose passion and dedication played a pivotal role in establishing walking football at Ayr United Football Academy.
Following the football, players and supporters came together to enjoy a buffet and live musical entertainment, rounding off another memorable occasion celebrating John's lasting legacy.
A huge well done goes to David Watson, the Walking Football Committee, the academy coaches, referees, scorers, timekeepers and everyone at Shoot Soccer for organising and supporting another outstanding event.
The festival continues to be a fitting tribute to John Clark, celebrating not only his contribution to the game but also the friendships and community spirit that remain at the heart of walking football. 👏❤️⚽
Whitletts Victoria's 'Just for Fun' Festival Celebrates the True Spirit of Walking Football ❤️⚽
Congratulations to Whitletts Victoria and, in particular, Caroline McClelland, for organising another outstanding Just for Fun Walking Football Festival, bringing together clubs from across Scotland for a day centred on friendship, inclusion and enjoyment.
The second edition of the festival welcomed 15 teams, with the emphasis firmly on participation rather than competition. With no scores recorded, no league table, no points and no trophy to be won, everyone was free to simply enjoy the football, meet old friends and make new ones.
Following the matches, players and supporters gathered at the club's sponsors, The Bell Rock Bar, where they were treated to a fantastic buffet before rounding off the day with live music and a party atmosphere.
A huge thank you goes to Whitletts Vics In The Community, everyone who helped organise the event and all the teams who attended and embraced the festival's unique ethos.
The Just for Fun Festival is a wonderful reminder that walking football is about so much more than winning. It's about bringing people together, creating lasting friendships and ensuring everyone leaves with a smile. Well done once again to Caroline and the entire Whitletts Victoria team for delivering such a memorable day. 👏❤️⚽
Annan Athletic Enjoy Fun Festival Visit to Stranraer 🤝⚽
Players from Annan Athletic Walking Football recently travelled to Stranraer for an enjoyable fun festival hosted by Stranraer Walking Football.
The event was played in a relaxed and friendly setting, with the focus firmly on participation, enjoyment and bringing both groups together through their shared love of walking football.
Players from Annan and Stranraer enjoyed plenty of football, laughter and good company throughout the day, demonstrating that the game is about much more than results and trophies.
A huge thank you goes to everyone at Stranraer for organising the festival and providing such excellent hospitality to their visitors. Annan Athletic’s players thoroughly enjoyed the occasion and appreciated the warm welcome they received.
Days like this perfectly reflect the spirit of walking football—staying active, building friendships and enjoying the game together in a welcoming environment. 👏⚽❤️
Bonnyrigg Rose Bring the Summer World Cup to Poltonhall 🌹⚽
Bonnyrigg Rose Community Football Club continued its fantastic work engaging people of all ages as Poltonhall hosted a hugely successful Summer World Cup Walking Football Festival.
Following activities delivered for nursery children, school pupils and teenagers, the focus turned to walking football as 10 men’s teams and 6 women’s teams came together for a memorable day of football and friendship.
More than 140 players took part, enjoying Bonnyrigg Rose’s warm hospitality and a brilliant festival atmosphere. The event showcased the inclusive nature of the club’s community programme, providing football opportunities from the youngest age groups right through to older adults.
A huge well done to everyone at Bonnyrigg Rose who helped organise and deliver the event, and to all the players and teams who contributed to such a fantastic day.
A wonderful celebration of football for life and a great example of the game bringing generations and communities together. 👏🌹🏴⚽
Congratulations to all the clubs, organisers, volunteers and players featured in this latest Club News update. From memorial festivals and charity initiatives to community celebrations and inclusive events, every story reflects the values that make walking football such a special part of communities across Scotland.
Thank you to everyone who continues to grow the game and create opportunities for others to enjoy football for life. We look forward to sharing more inspiring stories from clubs across the country in our next Club News round-up. 👏⚽💙
