Player of the Month (July) - Dave Milne & Paula McArthur
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As July 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.
🌟 July Women’s Player of the Month
Paula McArthur (55) – Rangers FFIT
🌟 July Men’s Player of the Month
Dave Milne (66)– Arbroath FC
Huge congratulations to Paula and Dave!
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?
Paula: “I was introduced to walking football following taking part in a football fans in training course held at Ibrox. If I am honest I was sceptical initially, as I had played football up to international level, giving the game up when I was approx. 38 years old & thought my playing days where over. Little did I know I got hooked from the start!”
Dave: “One evening in August 2016, I met a friend of mine in the local turf accountants. I asked him where he had been and he said to me he had been playing walking football. He suggested that I should come along to the next session as he was sure I would enjoy it! That was an understatement! I hadn’t played football for around 20 years in any format & from the first step onto the pitch I was hooked!”
What positive impact has walking football had on your life?
Paula: “Walking football has supported me to improve my Physical, Emotional, General & Mental Health and wellbeing. Its also good for a healthy heart as I am getting on a bit. It has been good for me socially, out playing 2-3 nights a week, I have a new circle of friends and acquaintances whom I would not necessarily have came in contact with through my day to day life.”
Dave: “Over the years, on and off the field, I have built up great friendships with fantastic men & women who share my passion for walking football. In 2018 I experienced my first trip abroad in 30 years when my club sent a team to Cambrils Spain to take part in the Walking Football Tours – Spanish Masters, where we finished runners up. 2 subsequent trips - 2019 to Lake Garda & 2024 back to Cambrils were also enjoyed, catching up with opponents & referees from 2018! Also, for a bit of fun, I have taken the opportunity to aim for, reach & beat one of my footballing hero’s total career goal tally! In 1970 I first set sight on Edson Arantes do Nascimento (Pele) in the 1970 World Cup. Between December 2016 to date, I have kept a record of the goals I have scored playing walking football (club sessions & competitive matches) & on the 12th July 2026 I broke Pele’s world record goal tally at the John Cunningham Memorial Festival held at Stark’s Park Kirkcaldy. 7 goals that day took me to 1280 goals! LOL! I am also Club Secretary & Treasurer of Arbroath FC Walking Football Club & a Walking Football Scotland Rep, that gives me the opportunity to pay back in some small way for the enjoyment walking football has given me over the past 10 years.”
What would you say to encourage others to come along?
Paula: “Please come along and give it a try, I am sure you would love it! You don’t need to have played football before - it’s not just football!”
Dave: “What would you say to encourage others to come along? Until you try it, you won’t know what you are missing!”
