Player of the Month (July) - Elizabeth Wallace & Gordon Smith
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We’re keeping up with our monthly spotlight on Walking Football Scotland Players of the Month in partnership with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.
For July the Walking Football Scotland Women’s Player of the Month is Elizabeth Wallace! Elizabeth, 64, plays with Rangers FFIT.
Walking Football Scotland Men’s Player of the Month is Gordon Smith! Gordon, 56, plays with Forfar.
Congratulations Gordon and Elizabeth! They shared their reflections on what walking football means to them.
Why did you get involved in walking football?
Elizabeth: “My friend asked me to go with her to a walking football session she had seen advertised and from the moment I stepped onto the park to play I loved it , I couldn’t wait to go back the following week .i played football when I was younger and now that my family were grown up I had time to spare. At first it was just training sessions then we joined the Walking Football Scotland league and also played in cup tournaments winning the Scottish Cup in our first year.”
Gordon: “Latterly my body couldn’t keep up or recover quickly from five a sides but wanted to keep going with some sort of football. A couple of my friends had already started playing and encouraged me to try it. I played a couple of sessions, loved it and have never looked back.
I have always played at a competitive level and walking football allows you to take the game as serious or as leisurely as you like.”
What positive impact has walking football had on your life?
Elizabeth: “Walking football has helped me through a difficult time in my life and I can’t thank the people involved enough.I feel a lot fitter and healthier through training and playing walking football and the social side of it is great. I have met up with old friends and made many new friends ,it really has made a positive impact in my life.”
Gordon: “Walking football has allowed me to keep active and prolong my fitness and at the same time de-stressing from work life. I’ve met a lot of new people and created new friends just through taking part in walking football events all over Scotland, England and abroad. ”
What would you say to encourage others to come along?
Elizabeth: “I would say what are you waiting for? Find a team in your area and give it a try. You will not regret it. You will feel better physically, mentally and socially.”
Gordon: “I would thoroughly recommend anyone who is thinking of it or dubious about “walking” football to give it a go. There are local clubs all over Scotland now who are open to letting anyone, male or female having a go. Whether you think you were like Ronaldo back in the day or have 2 left feet there is a place in walking football for you.”
