Record-Breaking People’s Ford Parkinson’s Walking Football Festival Celebrates the Power of Football
/The world’s largest Parkinson’s Walking Football Festival returned to Glasgow for its fourth year, welcoming a record 20 teams and almost 200 players from across the UK.
Toryglen Regional Football Centre was the setting for another remarkable celebration of football, friendship and inclusion as the People’s Ford Parkinson’s Walking Football Festival 2026 enjoyed its biggest year yet.
Superbly hosted and organised by Glasgow Life, with the support of Walking Football Scotland, People’s Ford and Parkinson’s UK, the fourth annual festival brought together players living with Parkinson’s from across Scotland and beyond for a memorable day of walking football.
With a record-breaking 20 teams and almost 200 players participating, the festival continues to grow from strength to strength, further establishing its reputation as the world’s largest Parkinson’s Walking Football Festival.
Scottish Teams Proudly Represented
Walking Football Scotland was particularly delighted to see so many teams from across the Scottish walking football community participating in this year’s festival.
Among those represented were Celtic FC Foundation, Glasgow Life, Hibernian CF, KA Leisure and Stirling Albion, with players demonstrating tremendous enthusiasm, determination and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
There was also plenty to celebrate on the pitch, with two teams from Glasgow Life and Celtic FC Foundation progressing to the quarter-finals.
The involvement of these teams highlights the growing opportunities for people living with Parkinson’s to participate in walking football across Scotland, with clubs and organisations increasingly recognising the physical, mental and social benefits the game can provide.
The festival also attracted teams from across the UK, with a particularly special mention going to Dorset Striders, who made the longest journey to Glasgow to participate in this year’s event.
Their commitment, alongside that of every travelling team, demonstrated the friendships and connections that walking football continues to create across communities.
Northern Lights Crowned Champions for Second Consecutive Year
There was plenty of competitive football throughout the day, culminating in a dramatic final between defending champions Northern Lights from Liverpool and Pennine Parkies.
In a closely contested encounter, the destination of the trophy was eventually decided by a penalty shootout, with Northern Lights emerging victorious to secure back-to-back festival titles.
Congratulations to Northern Lights on another outstanding achievement, and to Pennine Parkies for their excellent performances in reaching the final.
While there could only be one winning team, every participant contributed to making the festival another tremendous success.
Footballing Guests Show Their Support
The festival was further enhanced by the presence of several familiar faces from Scottish football.
John Collins, Tom Boyd, Peter Grant, Ian Murray and Jim Stewart joined the celebrations at Toryglen, lending their support to the event and helping make the occasion even more memorable for players, families and supporters.
Their involvement was warmly welcomed and highlighted the wider football community’s support for initiatives that make the game accessible to people of all abilities and circumstances.
The Power of Walking Football
Beyond the goals, results and trophies, the People’s Ford Parkinson’s Walking Football Festival represents something far greater than a sporting competition.
For many of those participating, walking football provides an opportunity to remain physically active, maintain friendships, develop confidence and enjoy the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a team.
Living with Parkinson’s can present significant challenges, but the determination, positivity and camaraderie displayed throughout the festival demonstrated the important role that football can play in supporting people’s wellbeing.
From the encouragement shared between teammates to the friendships formed between opposing teams, the festival provided countless examples of the positive impact that walking football can have.
For Walking Football Scotland, supporting events such as this forms an important part of its wider commitment to developing inclusive participation opportunities and ensuring that more people across Scotland can experience the benefits of the game.
A Special Thank You to People’s Ford
The continued success and growth of the festival would not be possible without the tremendous backing of title sponsor People’s Ford.
Walking Football Scotland extends its sincere appreciation to People’s Ford and Chairman Brian Gilda for their generosity, enthusiasm and ongoing commitment to supporting this important event.
Their contribution has helped the festival develop into a major occasion in the walking football calendar, creating opportunities for more people living with Parkinson’s to participate, compete and connect with others who share their experiences.
Their support is a fantastic example of the positive difference that partnerships between businesses, sporting organisations and communities can make.
Congratulations to Glasgow Life
Walking Football Scotland would also like to extend its congratulations and appreciation to Glasgow Life for once again delivering an exceptional event at Toryglen Regional Football Centre.
The dedication, planning and commitment involved in organising a festival of this scale should not be underestimated, and the continued growth of the event is testament to the hard work of everyone involved.
Our thanks also go to Parkinson’s UK in Scotland, Sky Sports, the match officials, volunteers, staff, coaches, families and supporters who contributed to another successful occasion.
Most importantly, congratulations to every player who stepped onto the pitches and helped create such a positive and uplifting atmosphere.
Looking Ahead to 2027
With four successful festivals now completed and participation reaching new heights, the People’s Ford Parkinson’s Walking Football Festival has become a standout occasion in the walking football calendar.
Walking Football Scotland looks forward to continuing its support for this wonderful event and working alongside partners to help develop further opportunities for people living with Parkinson’s to enjoy walking football throughout Scotland.
Twenty teams, almost 200 players and countless special memories — another powerful reminder that football is about so much more than the final score.
The friendships, confidence, enjoyment and sense of belonging created through events like this demonstrate exactly why walking football continues to make such a difference to people’s lives.
Congratulations to everyone involved in the People’s Ford Parkinson’s Walking Football Festival 2026. We look forward to an even bigger celebration in 2027!
Festival Photo Gallery
A selection of photographs from the People’s Ford Parkinson’s Walking Football Festival 2026, captured by Walking Football Scotland photographer Phil Dawson.
Further photographs from the event will be shared in due course.
