Walking Football Scotland Welcomes William Hill as a Proper Supporter

Walking Football Scotland (WFS) is delighted to officially welcome William Hill as a Proper Supporter of Walking Football Scotland. The landmark partnership is designed to support the continued development of one of the fastest-growing areas of the national game.

The agreement will see William Hill extend its commitment to Scottish football beyond the professional game and its role as title sponsor of the Scottish Professional Football League.

By becoming a Proper Supporter of WFS, William Hill will help us create even more opportunities for people to get active, reconnect with football and enjoy the physical, mental and social benefits of the game.

Walking Football Scotland has grown significantly in recent years, providing opportunities for men and women across the country through an expanding network of clubs, leagues, competitions and community programmes. Currently, more than 5,000 people play the game across 160 clubs, with participants ranging from age 40 to an incredible 93.

That growth is being supported by some of the most recognisable figures in Scottish football.

Former Scotland Head Coaches Craig Levein and Alex McLeish attended the official partnership launch alongside William Hill The Warm-Up co-host Kris Boyd.

They were joined by WFS Ambassadors Gordon Smith, the former Scottish FA Chief Executive, and Rose Reilly MBE, one of the trailblazers of the women's game and a World Cup winner with Italy, who continue to champion walking football and its ability to keep people connected with the game.

Their support is complemented by an experienced leadership team headed by WFS President David Winnie, the former St Mirren and Aberdeen defender, alongside a Board which includes David MacKinnon, Vivienne MacLaren, Eric Riley, the long-serving former Celtic Finance Director, and Campbell Ogilvie, the former Rangers and Hearts Secretary and former President of the Scottish FA.

Matt Ramsay, Chief Executive Officer of Walking Football Scotland, said:

"We are absolutely delighted to welcome William Hill as a Proper Supporter of Walking Football Scotland.

"This is a hugely exciting partnership for us and another significant moment in the growth of walking football across the country.

"What makes walking football special is that it is about so much more than what happens on the pitch. We see every week the difference it can make to people's physical health, mental wellbeing and social lives. It reconnects people with football, creates friendships and gives participants a real sense of belonging.

"We have some incredible people supporting our ambitions, from Gordon and Rose as Ambassadors to most recently to David, Eric, Davie, Vivienne and Campbell and our wider Board, and now to have the backing of William Hill gives us an opportunity to take another significant step forward.

"Together, we want to reach more people, support more clubs and create more opportunities for men and women across Scotland to discover – or rediscover – their love of playing football."

The partnership comes during another period of significant growth for Walking Football Scotland, which now stages competitions for men and women across multiple age categories, as well as providing opportunities for people living with Parkinson's.

With the support of William Hill, we aim to take walking football into even more communities, increase participation among both men and women and help our Member Clubs and volunteers continue to grow the game locally.

William Hill's weekly YouTube show The Warm-Up, co-hosted by Old Firm legends Kris Boyd and Chris Sutton, is watched by millions of viewers. The new partnership will provide opportunities to bring together William Hill's involvement in Scottish football and create unforgettable memories and experiences for the walking football community.

Ben McCann, Head of Sponsorship & Retail Marketing at William Hill, said:

"Being a Proper Supporter of Scottish football means supporting the game in all its forms and recognising the positive impact football can have on people and communities.

"Walking Football Scotland encapsulates that perfectly. It keeps people active, brings people together and allows participants to continue enjoying the game and all the camaraderie and friendships that come with it.

"The calibre of people involved with the organisation, coupled with the passion of the players, volunteers and clubs across Scotland, demonstrates just how far walking football has come.

"We're delighted to become a Proper Supporter of Walking Football Scotland, and we're looking forward to working with Matt and the team to help take the game to even more people across the country. I'm also looking forward to seeing our Warm Up co-hosts Kris Boyd and Chris Sutton dust down their boots for a comeback …"

Photos: Phil Dawson & Jeff Holmes