Ayr United Crowned Over 65's National League Winners

Ayr United received the League Trophy from Gordon Young

Ayr United were crowned inaugural champions of Walking Football Scotland's National Over 65’s League at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility today, October 14.

United went into the final round of fixtures top of the table and knowing that two wins from their last two games would be enough to clinch the crown.

And at the end of a very tight last day it was Ayr skipper John Crawford who stepped up to collect the trophy from Cove Rangers No2 Gordon Young.

Ayr’s nervy 2-2 draw with a determined Tullibody in their first game, after being 2-0 up after only three minutes, meant the title was back on the line.

Active Stirling, East Kilbride Gerihatricks, North Lanarkshire A and Tullibody themselves were all looking to make the most of Ayr's slip after all started the day within three points of the leaders.

It came down to a showdown in the 18th and final round of games with Ayr and Active Stirling level on points and goal difference at kick-off.

Both teams trailed 1-0 at half-time, Ayr to Glasgow Sport and Stirling to North Lanarkshire A.

But in the second half it was United who turned it around as two Jim Marshall penalties and a Harry Harvie strike saw them win 3-1. A 2-0 defeat to North Lanarkshire A ended Active Stirling’s chances and let East Kilbride Gerihatricks take second place.

North Lanarkshire B lifted the Fair Play award and Hearts keeper David Barr was named player of the year for the tournament.

WFS would like to thank North Lanarkshire Leisure and Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire for their continued support.

By Scott Campbell

Runners up East Kilbride Gerihatricks get their medals from Gordon Young.

Heart of Midlothian goalkeeper David Barr was named Player of the Year for the tournament.

North Lanarkshire Leisure B side were popular winners of the Fair Play award for the tournament.

UEFA Award for Walking Football Scotland Chair

John Brown, South West Regional Manager at the Scottish FA presents Gary with his Award.

Walking Football Scotland Chairman Gary McLaughlin has been recognised for his dedication to the sport by UEFA as the silver prize winner of the Best Grassroots Leader category in the UEFA Grassroots Awards 2019.

The Best Grassroots Leader award is issued to a coach or volunteer who has exhibited exceptional commitment and had a big impact, in numbers playing or social significance, over a long period.

Gary also receives 100 footballs as part of his award from UEFA and has decided to give a ball to each of Walking Football Scotland Cubs.

In 2013, Gary discovered walking football having suffered from heart problems. This discovery allowed him to play the sport he loved for the first time in years.

After experiencing walking football for himself, Gary could associate with the numerous scientific studies that proved the health benefits of involvement in walking football, from reducing blood pressure and cholesterol level to reduced levels of social isolation.

He first became Chairperson of the Scottish Walking Football Network – a steering group of interested walking footballers who came together in 2015 to help promote and expand walking football from the small number of groups scattered across the country. This group was supported by Paths for All Charity, Age Scotland and Scottish Government.

In April 2017 Walking Football Scotland was formed, a board of six trustees elected with Gary as chair. In September 2017 achieved charitable status and affiliated to Age Scotland. WFS is now working in close partnership with the Scottish FA, SAMH, Drinkaware, St John Scotland and Prostate Cancer UK to raise awareness and the profile and to support groups and participants across Scotland.

As Chairperson of the newly-formed Walking Football Scotland, Gary has secured full legal charity status for the organisation, allowing the group to secure funding from many different sources. Gary, assisted by the other elected trustees, has driven the game to massive growth in the last few years.

From its birth in 2012, walking football, through the efforts of Gary and Walking Football Scotland, now offers activity across Scotland in:

• All six Scottish FA Regions / WFS Regions

• 31 Local Authority Areas

• 97 Member Clubs

• 140+ sessions weekly

• 3,500+ participants weekly (both men and women)

 Walking Football Scotland Chairman Gary McLaughlin said: “I am both surprised and delighted at receiving this award. It’s something I love to do and I believe in. “Football is a team sport and walking football is a team effort, it takes all of us to become a UEFA winner.

“At Walking Football Scotland we are a participant led organisation – it truly is the participant’s game and that’s what makes it special.

 “Football crosses all divides. It’s fantastic for the older generation that UEFA is identifying walking football with this award.

 “For me personally, football truly did save my life. It was life changing for me. I had two heart attacks, I have seven stents and walking football played a role in changing my life. It’s what drives me to get the message out about the fitness benefits and the connections you can build and it’s all through football.

“It’s not just the physical fitness though; there is a huge benefit to mental health too. It’s all part and parcel of the magic of football. From something as little as walking in to a dressing room and having strong connections, someone simply asking you how you are doing, or just saying hello to you.

“We want to continue to expand walking football and educate as many people as possible on the benefits that come with it, in order to grow the number of participants and ultimately bring joy to as many as we can.

 John Brown, South West Regional Manager at the Scottish FA said: “Gary McLaughlin is Mr Walking Football and volunteers countless hours in his crusade to help other people enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

“He never tires of telling the stories of his walking footballers in Scotland. One in particular has great power: a wife of one of the regular participants came to thank Gary for getting her husband involved in walking football and in particular the social element after matches.

“The lady emotionally admitted that for the first time in many years she no longer had to worry about her husband attempting suicide as he had in the past. Walking football had improved her husband’s mental health so much that he always had something to look forward to and was like, in her own words, ‘a new man’.

“That, for me, shows the power of walking football and the impeccable work Gary has put in, along with all the support around him. This award is a fitting recognition.”

Walking Football Scotland Over 50's National League Results and Table September 2019

Action from Glasgow Sport West (black/blue) V Gala Fairydean Rovers

Competition is on as Hearts 56 hold on to top slot with Ayr United taking second place, one point behind.

The league has two more sessions to play on :

October 30th and November 27th.

90 years young

courtesy of Katielee Arrowsmith

Whilst most senior citizens celebrate their 90th birthday with a gentle stroll and a cup of tea, sprightly Bert Cunningham turned up for his regular weekly game of walking football at the World of Football in the Edinburgh Corn Exchange when he turned 90 years young.

 For the last four years Bert has hardly missed a weekly session as he takes up his customary position in goals with his team- mates from the Edinburgh City Walking Football group. 

 Walking Football is the fastest growing activity for older adults in Scotland with thousands of men and women in their 50's to 80s now playing each week with Bert probably the oldest regular player in the UK.

 The impact on the lifestyle of walking footballers is incredible with most participants in a recent survey carried out by Walking Football Scotland showing huge improvement in their fitness, weight reduction, flexibility, mental well being and social connectedness. 

Bert Cunningham is a tremendous role model for the sport, providing a real inspiration to his fellow players, many of whom have recovered from major illness and injury but have now been given the opportunity regain fitness and create long term friendships.

Walking Football Scotland send our best wishes to Bert, on behalf of walking footballers across the country and hopes to see him between the goal-posts for many years to come.

Happy Birthday Bert.

Bert with his team-mates at the World of Football in Edinburgh.

WFS Chair met Jeff Stelling and walked 26 miles

The first day of Jeff’s Stelling’s challenge; Four Marathons, Four Nations in Four Days, kicked off at Hampden Park, home of the Scottish national team, and the nation’s oldest club, Queens Park, on the morning of 5 September and Walking Football Scotland’s Chair, Gary McLaughlin joined Jeff and over 120 men and women on their 26 mile March for Men, raising funds and awareness for Prostate cancer UK.

Route: Hampden Park to Ibrox Stadium to Celtic Park to Hamilton Academical, New Douglas Park finishing at Fir Park Stadium, Motherwell. 

Jeff Stelling first started walking marathons for Prostate Cancer UK at the gates of his beloved Hartlepool United in 2016 and was here in Glasgow to begin his four marathons in four days.

When asked why, Jeff said:

“These men, and their families, friends and loved ones, are the reason that I have marched over 750 miles since 2016. My legs aren’t thanking me now, but knowing the extraordinary amount of money we’ve raised will fund life-saving research so that in years to come, prostate cancer will be a disease that men and their families need not fear, certainly eases the pain.”

Walking Football Scotland have asked member groups and participants to fund-raise for our charity partner Prostate Cancer UK.

WFS Chair, Gary McLaughlin agreed to do his bit and raise funds for the charity by joining Jeff in his March for Men and walk the 26 miles alongside him.

The event was well organised and Gary enjoyed some great banter and camaraderie on the long march, very similar to that experienced and enjoyed by walking footballers at their weekly sessions.

WFS have been amazed at the way our member groups and participants have engage with fundraising and Gary has been delighted to raise £840 and would like to thank everyone for their support.

Gary McLaughlin said:

“Prostate Cancer UK is our Charity partner and the connections to walking around some of the finest football stadiums in my home country, could not be closer to my heart, or the ethos of Walking Football Scotland. Adding to the fact that Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer in men, I was proud to be raising awareness and funds for this worthwhile charity and delighted at the way WFS clubs engaged in fundraising.”

A few of Jeff’s celebrity friends joined in and walked alongside the group chatting and adding to the fun and experience for all the walkers. The route was well planned and although at times challenging the Prostate Cancer team had everything covered to make this as comfortable as possible. The group were taken to places that would they would not normally see and quickly realised that there is so much beauty in and around Glasgow.

Mixed emotions, from the football clubs hospitality to the humbling experience, when you realise you are walking with some fantastically positive people with terminal Prostate cancer.

This focused the mind on what we were about; awareness and fundraising for research into this dreadful disease.

 Prostate cancer has overtaken breast cancer and is now the third biggest cancer killer in the UK.

Prostate Cancer UK has been funding research into prostate cancer since the 1990's and we've seen a lot of advances in that time. There is still a lot more to be done, but research is already making a difference to men’s lives and their families.

In the UK, about 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives.

In Scotland More than 3,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year in Scotland. 

Around 900 men die from prostate cancer every year in Scotland.

Below are some photographs from Gary’s part in the March for Men in Scotland.

Walking Football Scotland Over 50's League Results August 2019

Archive Image from a previous round

Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility was buzzing today August 28 as the Over 50’s National walking football League reconvened after the summer break. Some fine walking football was on display and everyone enjoyed the social gathering at the end of play, with some refreshments and good banter.

Hearts 56 lead the pack with Alloa pressing hard in 2nd place.

Our thanks to hosts North Lanarkshire Leisure and to Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire for their continued support.

Archive Image

Over 50's Walking Football League fixtures for August

Action from March

Summer break is over for the Over 50’s, with matches resuming for their Walking Football Scotland National League at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility next Wednesday 28th August.

Here is the next set of fixtures. Good Luck to everyone involved.

Walking Football Scotland Over 65's League Results August 2019

Action from North Lanarkshire Leisure A v East Kilbride Gerihatricks (Red)

Another fabulous day at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility for the Over 65’s National walking football League, where we saw some fine walking football, before everyone gathered for a refreshment and some banter at the end of play.

Active Stirling remains in the top position closely followed by Ayr United.

Our thanks to hosts North Lanarkshire Leisure and to Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire for their continued support.

League placings after the August session.

Results for August the 12th.

To see more photographs CLICK ON an image below.

Over 65's Walking Football League fixtures for August

Summer break is over for the Over 65’s, with matches resuming for their Walking Football Scotland National League at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility next Monday 12th August.

Here is the next set of fixtures. Good Luck to everyone involved.

Football Really Is For Life

Presentation of the Walking Football Scotland Scottish Cups

l-r Craig Brown, Willie Carroll Raith Rovers, Bill McConnell Kirkcaldy and Gary McLaughlin WFS Chair

Scottish Champions Over 50’s Raith Rovers (Blue) and Over 65’s Kirkcaldy (White) with Craig Brown and WFS Chair Gary McLaughlin

Another fantastic day at the Walking Football Scotland Scottish Cup and Festival, held on Glasgow Green, Saturday June 29. The weather was kind to us and this added to the slick and meticulous planning by our Glasgow Sport hosts.

Our thanks to the Minister of Public Health and Sport, Joe FitzPatrick MSP for his support in kicking off this year’s Festival and Bailie James Scanlan of Glasgow City Council for his warm welcome.

Joe FitzPatrick MSP, Minister for Public Health and Sport

Bailie James Scanlan

The event - which we believe to be the biggest of its kind in the walking football world – was enjoyed by over 700 players competing in the Cups and the Friendly Festival. It was great to have Andy Gould, Head of Football Development at the Scottish FA along with us on the day and it was extra special to have Scottish Football Legend and our Patron Craig Brown enjoying the occasion and presenting the trophies. A very special mention goes to Glasgow Sport and Matt Ramsay in particular for hosting such a celebration of walking football.

Walking Football Scotland Chairman Gary McLaughlin said: “We are absolutely delighted with the Event today. The players turned out in the hundreds to support us. They travelled from the far North of Scotland down to the Borders. Glasgow Green was jumping today. Everything was so good, weather was fantastic, the competition although keen was played in an exceptionally sporting manner and I am so proud to see Walking Football developing and engaging so many as WFS strive, to play our part in making and keeping Scotland an Active Nation through Sport.”

A total of 32 teams took part in the Scottish Cup for the Over 50’s with Raith Rovers being crowned Scottish Champions, defeating Heart of Midlothian in a penalty shoot out in the final. The Inaugural Over 65’s Scottish Cup had 8 teams competing for the trophy and worthy winners Kirkcaldy defeated East Kilbride Gerihatricks in a similar nail biting penalty shoot out. The non-competitive Friendly Festival had 32 entrants signed up to play walking football at its purest.

We were delighted St John Scotland could join us and they put on CPR and Defibrillator displays throughout the day. These proved to be popular with our participants and Prostate Cancer UK were always visible in their gazebo where everyone was made welcome and made more informed about the disease.

Liz Crawford Projects Officer with St John Scotland teaching Minister Joe FitzPatrick and WFS Trustees Gary McLaughlin and Vivian Wallace some CPR.

Other partners were there to enjoy and add their support to the event, Cardiac Science and great to see Prostate Cancer UK, SAMH, Active Scotland, The Salvation Army and the Scottish FA all field teams in the Festival. 

The Prostate Cancer UK team met up with Minister Joe FitzPatrick at the Festival on Saturday.

Planning will start soon on next year’s Walking Football Scotland Scottish Cup and Festival. Keep a look out; please as we will be contacting teams looking for your feedback on the day. We need your opinions and views if we hope to improve going forward.

We look forward to seeing you next year!

Photographs courtesy of Glasgow City and Helen Hyland

Click on the image below to see more photographs from the day.

Keeping true to the spirit of walking football, Walking Football Scotland have always awarded a Fair Play Award to a team in the Festival and this years worthy winners were Midlothian Ladies.

This year the Board of Trustees decided to put up a Fair Play award for the competitive competition in memory of Peter Collins.

Peter was a man who was passionate about his walking football and was a great ambassador for the sport. He was always helpful, cheerful and nothing was a trouble for him. He was at the forefront of walking football when it was first played in Scotland and became recognisable as the smiling face of walking football. When asked as he often was, about getting back to playing football, he would say to everyone that it is “Wonderful” and go on to tell you it was mainly because of the fitness, the social side and the football banter. He would usually smile and remind you that he still enjoyed saving some cracking shots aimed at his goal. It is our small tribute to a gentleman a friend and colleague.

The Peter Collins Award for Fair Play will be an annual event and the first winners are Linlithgow Rose walking football Club.

Linlithgow Rose Winners of the Peter Collins Award for Fair play in the competitive Scottish Cup.

David Callaghan receives the trophy from Craig Brown and WFS Trustee Vivian Wallace

Midlothian Ladies winners of the Fair Play Award in the Festival with Craig Brown and WFS Trustee Vivian Wallace

World's Biggest Walking Football Event

l-r Paul McNeil, Scottish FA, Craig Brown, Gary McLaughlin, Rose Reilly and Matt Ramsay.

Walking Football Scotland Scottish Cup and Festival

The draw for both the Over 50's & Over 65's Walking Football Scotland Scottish Cup  and the Friendly Festival was made today, Tuesday June 4 by patrons Craig Brown and Rose Reilly at the Scottish Football Museum in Hampden Park.

We are grateful to Colin Lobban and Stuart Spencer from the Scottish Football Museum for their help and hospitality and to Paul McNeil of the Scottish FA for making the draw run so smoothly.

Walking Football Scotland are looking forward to welcoming the 73 teams from across the country, who will take part on Saturday 29th June, making this the biggest Walking Football event in the world.

Gary McLaughlin WFS Chair said: “This has been a huge undertaking and we are delighted to be returning to Glasgow Green for this year’s event. This will be the largest gathering of walking footballers in the world and it would not have been possible without the help and expertise from Glasgow Sport and Matt Ramsay in particular. We hope to see walking football played at its best whether in either of the Scottish Cups (Over 50’s and Over 65’s) and the non competitive Festival.”

Walking Football Scotland Patrons Craig Brown and Rose Reilly join WFS Chair Gary McLaughlin (centre) for the draw in the Scottish Football Museum at Hampden Park in Glasgow.

WFS Patrons Rose Reilly and Craig Brown with the WFS Scottish Cups.

Due to the demand and popularity of walking football, WFS are pleased to include a new age category for this year’s event, creating an Over 65’s Cup to be played for alongside the established Over 50’s Scottish Cup with Gretna FC 2008 looking forward to defending last year’s win.

l-r Gary McLaughlin and Rose Reilly beside the Over 50’s Scottish Cup, Craig Brown and Matt Ramsay closest to the new Over 65’s Scottish Cup

Walking football is growing fast across the country and participants are enjoying the mental health and physical health benefits the game brings with it.

Even if you are not playing, please come along and enjoy the spectacle and the day.

The full draw is presented below

Walking Football Scotland Over 50’s Draw

Walking Football Scotland Over 65’s Draw

Walking Football Scotland Festival Draw

WFS East Region Launch League in Dundee

The teams line up with Dundee United Community Trust’s Mel Gormley before the start.

A fantastic day was had by all at the Dundee United GA Arena on Sunday 28th April, for the Inaugural East Region walking football league.
Eight teams enjoyed a fabulous afternoon of walking football played in the right spirit, on a wonderful day and was superbly hosted by Dundee United Community Trust.
Many thanks to all the participants and special thanks to Craig Feret, Scottish FA, Michael Malone and Mel Gormley of the Dundee United Community Trust for working in partnership with us and to our own Bill McConnell and Gordon Farquharson for making this a first for the East Region.

At the end of a most enjoyable day which was played throughout in the correct spirit of the game.

A long way to go in the league, but Carnoustie finds themselves early leaders on goal difference, from a fine Kirkcaldy Team.

Congratulations to all the participants and our thanks to the referees.

Note regarding points system: 3 Points for a win, 2 Points for a draw and 1 point for participation.

To see more photographs click on the images below

WFS Chair Gary McLaughlin with Bill McConnell, Craig Feret and Gordon Farquharson

Jambo Joy in Glasgow

Ian Durrant making the presentation to Glasgow Cup winners Heart of Midlothian and runners up Linlithgow Rose.

A massive congratulations to Hearts who became the first winners of the Over 50’s Glasgow Cup for Walking Football.

The event organised by Glasgow Sport was made a bit more special for everyone, when Ian Durrant (Former Rangers, Kilmarnock & Scotland) presented the cup to the Hearts team at the Toryglen Regional Football Centre on Wednesday 1st May.

A tight 1-1 final against Linlithgow Rose Maroon saw the match decided with a nervy penalty shootout and Hearts victorious.

20 teams from Stewarton to Gala Fairydean Rovers, Dundee East to Glasgow Sport, North Lanarkshire Auld Gits to Gerihatricks to name just a few, arrived bright-eyed bushy tailed to take part in the first ever Over 50’s Glasgow Cup.  It was pleasing to welcome Scone Thistle and Linlithgow Rose to their first ever competition, with the latter becoming the surprise package of the day winning all their games but missing out on penalties in the Final after a 1-1 draw.

Great sportsmanship throughout the day played in the right spirit saw Alloa, KCST Northwest, Linlithgow Rose Maroon, Motherwell Community Trust, Ayr United, Arbroath, Hearts and Kirkcaldy all progress to the quarter finals after battling their ways through their group matches.

Tight quarter finals saw Alloa, Linlithgow Rose Maroon, Ayr United and Hearts victorious to set-up mouth-watering semi-finals which again brought tense matches with Hearts winning again from penalty kicks to set-up their final with Linlithgow Rose Maroon before lifting the trophy.

A terrific day of walking football in Glasgow and special thanks to organiser and WFS trustee, Matt Ramsay of Glasgow Sport and to Nicola Davidson and John Houston from Prostate Cancer UK for coming along to speak to our participants.

Click on the images below to scroll through some action shots from the day.

It was great to see our Charity partner Prostate Cancer UK at Toryglen and as always appreciate their help, engagement and support.

Nicola Davidson and John Houston from Prostate Cancer UK with some of the competitors.

l-r Nicola Davidson, Gary McLaughlin and Matt Ramsay

Walking Football Scotland Over 50's League Results April 2019

The second round of fixtures at the Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility, for the Walking Football Scotland Over 50’s National walking football League has both Heart of Midlothian teams leading the pack with Alloa Athletic in third place on goal difference.

Our thanks to North Lanarkshire Leisure for their support and hospitality.

The League table will be updated every month and will be available on the WFS website www.walkingfootballscotland.org.uk and at www.nlleisure.co.uk

The results from 24th of April are as follows:

Click on the photographs to view a collection of action shots from the day.

Walking Football Scotland Over 65's League Results April 2019

Action from Tullibody V Glasgow Sport

Another great day at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility, for the Over 65’s National walking football League.

Active Stirling is in the top position on goal difference, leading from neighbours Tullibody, North Lanarkshire Leisure and East Kilbride Gerihatricks.

Well done the Central Region teams.

Our thanks to North Lanarkshire Leisure for their support and hospitality.

The League table will be updated every month and will be available on the WFS website www.walkingfootballscotland.org.uk and at www.nlleisure.co.uk

The results from 8th of April were as follows:

Photograph from the Over 65’s league launch in March.