Player of the Month (May) - Annemarie McGuinness & Stuart Ainslie
/
As May 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.
🌟 May Women’s Player of the Month
Annemarie McGuinness (53) – Giffnock SC
🌟 May Men’s Player of the Month
Stuart Ainslie (61) – Oriam
Huge congratulations to Annemarie & Stuart!
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?
Annemarie: “I started playing walking football in 2023, after covid lockdowns.
I saw it as a really good opportunity to continue playing football and get fit again.”
Stuart: “It’s a great, and fun way to stay fit and active. I enjoy playing regular football both in our social sessions and in the more competitive league fixtures. The injuries are fewer I’m all the healthier for it.
I’ve met and become friends with a great bunch of folks who all share a passion for playing football and enjoy the camaraderie and banter that goes along with it. A game of football followed by a coffee and chat with the Lads and Lassies is something I look forward to each week.”
What positive impact has walking football had on your life?
Annemarie: “Walking Football has given me a new zest for life, l have made a lot of new friends, the social aspect that comes with playing is really important. It has helped my self confidence no end.”
Stuart: “It’s a great, and fun way to stay fit and active. I enjoy playing regular football both in our social sessions and in the more competitive league fixtures. The injuries are fewer I’m all the healthier for it.
I’ve met and become friends with a great bunch of folks who all share a passion for playing football and enjoy the camaraderie and banter that goes along with it. A game of football followed by a coffee and chat with the Lads and Lassies is something I look forward to each week.”
What would you say to encourage others to come along?
Annemarie: “Come along and give it a go, it’s really good fun, and very quickly you find a whole new circle of friends. It’s a great way to keep/get fit. Doesn’t matter what level you’ve played at or if indeed you’ve never played. The modified rules, make it inclusive for call abilities.”
Stuart: “Walking football is for anyone and everyone that wants to stay active and still play the game.
All abilities are accommodated, and it will do your physical and mental health the world of good. Oriam WF, like most clubs, is more than just a football club. It’s a social hub. A place to play, stay active, meet new people, get you out the house. At Oriam we also run activity groups for Golf, Pool, Grub club and country walks, so there’s something for everyone.
It’s the truest of sayings – “Don’t knock it until you try it”. I totally recommend giving it a go!”
