Player of the Month (November) - Lynn Gilfillan & Ken Francey
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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 November the Walking Football Scotland Women’s Player of the Month is Lynn Gilfillan! Lynn, 53, plays with Stenhousemuir.
Walking Football Scotland Men’s Player of the Month is Ken Francey! Ken, 73, plays with Oriam.
Congratulations Lynn and Ken! They shared their reflections on what walking football means to them.
Why did you get involved in walking football?
Lynn: “Roisin , now a fellow team mate had roped Yvonne into trying a session and she asked me to join her as well and I just laughed at the thought of trying the sport at the time - I couldn’t have been more wrong - I never knew what I had been missing!”
Ken: “I got into walking football for fitness, to meet new people, but mostly just to be able to play football once more.”
What positive impact has walking football had on your life?
Lynn: “Its made a huge impact to my life - I have loved the experience of playing in a team with a fantastic group of ladies and excellent coaching at Stenny. The feeling of community within the group is amazing, everyone looks after one another. The fun we have at the sessions is terrific and now we socialise through other activities as well, we have tried footgolf, bowling, quizzes just to name a few. ”
Ken: “The social side, meeting up with friendly familiar faces, is important but there is also the unofficial support networks it provides.
For example, I have had, and been successfully treated for, prostate cancer. I have been able to share the practical details of the tests and treatment options as well as provide, I believe, a positive vibe about being able to get through it and come out happy and healthy. I’ve also been able to share the doubts and bad feelings we all get and been given the nudge to look towards ’the bright side of life’.
Getting better at understanding the game has also helped me appreciate and admire skills and talents in other teams and players and why they play so well. That has lead to friendships across the WF community.”
What would you say to encourage others to come along?
Lynn: “It is such good fun being part of a team whether you have enjoyed football in the past or have never kicked a ball in your life before but want to make friends and enjoy this sport just give it a try. It will get you fit and give you the opportunity to make new friends. .”
Ken: “Come along and give it a go! Apart from the improved fitness and social side, it’s that walking football is a proper game – the more you get to understand it, the more you realise that it works on a different level with different tactics to the traditional game. It’s brilliant!”
