Player of the Month (September) - Fiona Cavana & Raymond Heaney
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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 September the Walking Football Scotland Women’s Player of the Month is Fiona Cavana! Fiona, 43, plays with Linlithgow Rose CFC.
Walking Football Scotland Men’s Player of the Month is Raymond Heaney! Raymond, 63, plays with Giffnock SC - Auld Timers
Congratulations Fiona and Raymond! They shared their reflections on what walking football means to them.
Why did you get involved in walking football?
Fiona: “Some of my friends who I had previously played 11 a side with asked me to come along and give it a go. They were short of a goalkeeper so I agreed to help out. Couple of years later and I am now training and playing walking football regularly as an outfield player and captain of Linlithgow Rose.”
Raymond: “I was invited to attend the inaugural GSC walking football match to help make up the numbers and with it being football I went along and I have been playing the game ever since”
What positive impact has walking football had on your life?
Fiona: “The players at Linlithgow Rose have been very welcoming to me right from the start. They are a great bunch of Ladies and we have a great laugh together. I recently lost my mum and being able to walk onto the pitch and forget about what is going on in my life and just play football has really helped me through this difficult time.”
Raymond: “Walking football has provided a wonderful opportunity to remain fit and active and reconnect with some old friends and to meet new people, it also continues to help provide a fun opportunity to continue playing the game.”
What would you say to encourage others to come along?
Fiona: “I was sceptical of walking football at first it took a few attempts for me to be persuaded to come along as I was still regularly playing 5 a side and recreational football so thought it wouldn’t be competitive enough for me but I was very wrong. I love coming along and representing my club and my regional team on the pitch and I have also made some great friends doing it. I would encourage anyone thinking about it to come along and give it a try. You won’t regret it.”
Raymond: “If you are looking to improve your touch or just to start playing again and improve your fitness, or if you are looking to meet many like-minded people or just looking for something new to try this - it’s a great opportunity.”
