Player of the Month (March) - Claire Geoghegan & Jack Gorman
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As March comes to an end, we’re proud to once again shine a spotlight on the people who make Walking Football Scotland’s Players of the Month so special—once again in partnership with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.
🌟 March Women’s Player of the Month
Claire Geoghegan (51) – Linlithgow Rose CFC
🌟 March Men’s Player of the Month
Jack Gorman (75) – Fife Wanderers
Huge congratulations to Claire & Jack!
Both shared their reflections on what walking football means to them, highlighting the friendships, health benefits and sense of belonging that keep our community moving forward 💙⚽
Why did you get involved in walking football?
Claire: “I used to play football at Primary school but soon moved on to other sports because there were no football clubs for girls at the time. Then, when my daughter started playing football, I became aware of the Linlithgow Rose walking football group. I was watching my daughter flourish at football and felt inspired by her to give it a go.”
Jack: “I started after meeting an old pal who I went to school with and also played football with. He played the WF and loved it. Like many others I was a bit sceptical but went along to New Bayview in sunny Methil and gave it a go. I had suffered a heart attack 6 months previously in 2018 and had a stent fitted but this seemed like a great way to get a bit more exercise and I really enjoyed it. I had another two stents fitted in 2023 but I genuinely feel that the WF helps my general health. I also play a lot of golf but I found I could be more competitive kicking a ball in the right direction rather than hitting one in the wrong”
What positive impact has walking football had on your life?
Claire: “I have tried all sorts to make exercise a regular part of my life but have always struggled to stick with it. Walking football has changed that because training is just great fun. It has also helped me to find some time for myself which can be tricky when work and family life is busy.”
Jack: “The positive side to WF is the exercise, friendship and wellbeing that I feel after a session playing with so many like minded guys who get so much enjoyment from this great sport. We are in our 50’s, 60’s and 70’s and still playing football. There were 30 players at our Glenrothes Monday session recently and all you could hear at the end was lively debate and a lot of laughter.”
What would you say to encourage others to come along?
Claire: “Walking football is for everybody regardless of your age, ability level or starting fitness level. It is welcoming and supportive. It is a great way to get exercise and have fun at the same time. As a bonus you will meet some truly lovely people.”
Jack: “Don't listen to any doubters, ignore the guys who laugh when you tell them you're thinking about playing walking football - it's them who are missing out. I have met so many new friends, and met many great guys at events at Oriam and Toryglen. I feel the health benefits gained from our Monday and Friday sessions are very important to my everyday life and finally, the look on my wife's face last September when I told her I wanted a pair of Predators for my 75th birthday. Priceless!”
