David Winnie Appointed President of Walking Football Scotland

David Winnie Appointed New President of Walking Football Scotland

Walking Football Scotland is delighted to announce the appointment of David Winnie as our new President.

David brings an outstanding combination of football experience, legal expertise, and leadership to the role,  qualities that will help drive the continued growth of walking football across Scotland.

A Career Built Across Football and Law

Before embarking on a successful career in law, David enjoyed a distinguished playing career in professional football, representing clubs including St Mirren, Aberdeen, Hearts and Dundee, as well as spells abroad in Iceland and Australia. He featured in major European competitions including the European Cup Winners’ Cup, UEFA Cup and Champions League, won the Scottish Cup, and represented Scotland at Under-21 level.

After hanging up his boots, David moved into management and coaching before qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales in 2009. He is now Head of Sports & Immigration at Gilson Gray LLP, advising clubs, players, agents, and governing bodies across the football pyramid, from the Premier League, Championship and League One, to international federations and elite sporting organisations.

David’s experience includes acting for clients in a wide range of arbitral and disciplinary proceedings, including at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, FA Rule K arbitration, and the disciplinary bodies of FIFA and UEFA.

He sits as a Judicial Panel member for both the Football Association and the Scottish Football Association, hearing high-profile disputes from across the men’s and women’s game, and is also a Legal Member of Sport Resolutions, the world’s leading sport-specific arbitration body handling cases spanning the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup, and many other international competitions.

Beyond sport, David also advises on business immigration and international sports visa matters, providing guidance to clubs and athletes on global mobility, sponsorship, and eligibility requirements.

Excited for the Journey Ahead

“It’s a real honour to take on the role of President of Walking Football Scotland at such an exciting time. Walking football has already changed countless lives across the country, but this is just the beginning.

“Together with our fantastic new Board, I’m determined to take the organisation to the next level, strengthening our partnerships, expanding our reach, and showcasing the incredible health and social impact this game delivers. Walking football has the power to bring people together, improve wellbeing, and keep the spirit of the game alive for life, and I can’t wait to help drive that forward.”

A Shared Vision

As President, David will act as a figurehead for Walking Football Scotland, helping to open doors and build relationships that take the organisation forward. Working closely with the Board, he will support our strategic direction, raise the profile of walking football, and strengthen partnerships across sport, health and community sectors, all while championing the game’s powerful health and wellbeing impact nationwide.

Welcome, David. We’re excited for what lies ahead!