Covid-19 Route map - Phase Two

Phase Two: Sport

Guidelines for Walking Football Activity

The Scottish Government published Scotland’s route map out of the Covid19 Pandemic in May.

We have now entered Phase Two and Walking Football Scotland following advice from the Scottish Government and the Scottish FA, set out here some basic guidelines on our return to activity. The Scottish FA has developed a set of practical guidelines for clubs and participants to follow so that football activity can happen in Scotland during lockdown, where the local environment allows.

In line with the Scottish Government Guidelines updated on 18 June, only informal football activity should take place as follows:

• Playing football individually e.g. practice of individual skills or fitness activities.

• Playing football with your family or other people living in your household.

• Football activity with up to a maximum of 8 individuals from three households; physical distancing and hygiene guidelines must be followed at all times, while undertaking all forms of physical activity.

• Coaching an adult player (over the age of 18) one to one; physical distancing and hygiene guidelines must be followed while undertaking all forms of physical activity.

Before Participating

• Travel restrictions outlined by the Scottish Government should always be adhered to. Further information is available at; Travel & Meeting Others Outdoors.

• At all times, participants should adhere to the Scottish Government’s physical distancing guidelines of staying at least 2m away from others.

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before leaving home to go to the facility/venue (or use an alcohol gel if washing hands is not possible). Information on hand hygiene is available at: Health Protection Scotland: Hand hygiene techniques.

• Be aware guidance can change and restrictions may be reintroduced - ensure you have checked the latest version of guidelines on the Scottish FA website’s Return to Football Hub.or the Walking Football Scotland website

Participation Limits

• A maximum of 8 individuals from three households can take part in activity together. Scottish Government guidance on physical distancing and maximum numbers of households must be adhered to at all time.

• Always stay at least two metres away from other participants including during participation, when taking breaks and before and after participation.

• Do not make physical contact with other participants (such as shaking hands, hugs or high fives).

• Do not congregate with others and adhere to physical distancing rules. No extra-curricular or social gatherings should take place.

Personal Equipment

• Where possible take your own equipment with you and do not share equipment such as footballs, water bottles, cones, bibs etc.

• Only take the minimum amount of equipment that you need to participate.

• Clean and wipe down your equipment, including water bottles before and after use.

• Bring a full water bottle, and do not share food or drink with others.

• Ensure you take all personal belongings and equipment with you at the end of the activity and do not leave anything at the venue/facility.

• Hand sanitiser should be at least 60% alcohol based and detergent wipes appropriate for the surface they are being used on. 

Competitions

• The focus during phase two is on continuing to encourage informal football activity as set out previously as well as ‘Planning and Preparing’ for phase three and any guidelines that will be updated by the Scottish Government. At this time due to physical distancing measures matches or competitive games are not permitted.

Facilities

• Groups, clubs and participants should be aware that the easing of restrictions does not mean that all facilities/venues will open immediately. Owners and operators will require time to consider all the implications of opening facilities/venues and put plans in place to re-engage staff and to set up operations that ensure the safety of participants, staff and volunteers. This is a difficult time for everyone so please be patient.

Sportscotland | COVID-19 Survey

Sportscotland are interested in understanding how Coronavirus (COVID-19) is impacting on the work of clubs and community organisations across Scotland. 

They are asking for feedback from clubs and community organisations and will use this to help support them with the challenges being faced at this time and it may also help raise walking football's profile with one of Scotland's main sports funders.

Walking Football Scotland has completed the survey as the National Lead Body; however, we encourage individual walking football clubs and groups to submit their own thoughts on the challenges currently facing their walking football programmes, by completing the following:

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/88KDWJZ?utm_campaign=Inside Track

Message from the Board of Trustees

We are facing one of the biggest challenges of our generation - the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Our regular walking football sessions are postponed and as many of our participants come into the "at risk" category we urge you all to follow the national guidelines on self-isolation, social distancing and regular hand washing, reducing the spread of the virus, the risk to ourselves and protecting essential workers in the NHS, social care, shops and public services.

We fully appreciate the frustrations, boredom and anxiety caused by the current lockdown regulations and we urge you all to comply that we may return to our normal, active lifestyles. as soon as possible.

In the meantime it is vitally important to remain physically and mentally active and we would encourage all groups to use social media WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter etc. to keep in touch with their members, particularly those in more isolated positions and we encourage walking football groups to share any good practice with WFS to pass on to other members through our media sources. Walking Football Scotland are now using the Zoom video application having recently held several meetings, our most recent with the Scottish FA to progress our partnership agreements.

With no physical activity at present the trustees are using this time to improve our governance and identify potential professional resources and funding.

Unfortunately, the National Cup and Festival planned for June, has been postponed and we will follow direction from the Scottish government and medical and scientific advice before we arrange a new date.

We wish you all and your families good health, take good care and stay safe.

Kindest regards from all,

Walking Football Scotland Trustees

Coronavirus Update - Drinkaware

The current COVID-19 outbreak means so many of us are at home and facing worrying and uncertain times.

It is heartening however to see the community spirit and some good old-fashioned humour being displayed by all our Walking Football Scotland groups.

Although we are missing the camaraderie, fun and vital exercise walking football provides, the use of social media (quizzes and funny stories) to support each other is truly amazing.

Through the virtual chat the message stays the same: stay at home, keep safe, protect yourself and others.

I know we are all looking forward to getting back on the football pitch but at this time we can’t take for granted our loved ones as we live either close together or alone dealing with the stresses of life, work and making ends meet.

In these unprecedented times, I wanted to update you on the steps our partner Drinkaware is taking to provide information and advice.

Even before the pandemic, Elaine Hindal CEO of Drinkaware, said: “Data suggests that 58% of people drink to cope - this can mean unwinding from a stressful job, or having a little ‘me-time’ at the end of the day.

“Alcohol is so culturally embedded that inevitably we’re going to see more people using alcohol to deal with their anxieties.”

Walking Football Scotland and I remain fully contactable by email (chairman@walkingfootballscotland.org) if anyone feels the need for support or simply to keep in touch and have a blether.

Gary McLaughlin- Chairman

COVID-19 and alcohol: Information hub: https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/alcohol-facts/drinking-habits-and-behaviours/alcohol-and-coronavirus/

Further information on Covid19 at the Scottish Govt Link :
              https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/

Coronavirus Update March 16th

Following on from the decision by Walking Football Scotland on March 13 to suspend all organised events run under our auspices until further notice and in line with statements from our partner the Scottish FA on the most recent medical advice, the WFS Board recommends that no training in groups or sessions should take place for the time being.

This recommendation covers all levels of football in Scotland and is hoped to help delay the spread of the virus.

Information and advice is changing all the time and we are working to keep our membership fully informed during these unprecedented times.

The majority of our participants are in the older age group and are therefore within the most vulnerable categories and the health and safety of all our members must be our first concern. Cases are rising every day and we must remain vigilant and heed medical advice.

Updates will be given as and when further medical advice is received and the board has agreed these measures are in the best interests of our players, match officials, staff, and supporters.

WFS ask all walking footballers to liaise with their own groups and clubs and to be sensible and safe.

The Board of Trustees are determined to keep our groups, clubs and participants up-to-date with the most current advice available in regard to the Coronavirus situation and remind people to regularly check the NHS and Scottish Government websites; see links below:

NHS website: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19

Or the Scottish Government link:

https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/

WFS Suspend National Leagues

Walking Football Scotland is suspending all organised events run under our auspices until further notice.

This includes both National Leagues at the Ravenscraig Regional Sports facility.

In line with the statement from our partner the Scottish FA, the Board agreed this in the interests of the health and safety of players, especially our age group, our match officials, staff, supporters and the public in general.

WFS ask all walking footballers to liaise with their own groups and clubs and to be sensible and safe.

Please keep up to date with information on Coronavirus.

For more up to date information, check out the NHS website below:

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19

Or the Scottish Government link:

https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/

Announcement from WFS Board of Trustees

There are stories circulating about an International Scottish team, being entered into a competition run by the IWFF Euro’s this summer.

Walking Football Scotland has not been approached for any confirmation on this story and for clarity the Board of Trustees feel we must issue the following statement.

The team manager has been reported as saying his invitation to manage Scotland's national walking football team came during a call from an official at Walking Football Scotland.

No one from Walking Football Scotland has made any approach and there are no plans to select or manage a national walking football team.

It has already been agreed with our governing body, the Scottish FA, that Walking Football Scotland will be responsible for organising and selecting our country’s representative teams, when appropriate.

WFS are not involved in the IWFF Euros and would like to reiterate our reasons for not engaging with the International Walking Football Federation (IWFF).

As you all know, Walking Football Scotland (WFS) is a charity registered in Scotland (SC047709) and the lead body for walking football in Scotland.

There are a number of walking football associations and federations out with Scotland, with no connection to any of the official football associations across Europe. WFS are NOT affiliated to ANY of these groups and do not recognise these groups, recognising instead the governing bodies across Europe and working closely with the Scottish FA.

We all know walking football is at an early stage in its development and we must build on recognised foundations.

Since our last communication with the IWFF, many of our own groups have been approached and I hope they do not put self before country.

It has been said WFS do not want to enter their competitions. It is not as simple as that: clubs can and do take part in competitions and gatherings out with Scotland and this has become part of the enjoyment of walking football. 

However, we must act in the best interest for everyone, where club and group participation in tournaments abroad is encouraged; a national team must truly be representative of the country.

These competitions are a small aspect of walking football in Scotland and I believe we have to prioritise our resources and be able to support and deliver more for the majority of participants across the country. WFS strive to put emphasis on improving fitness, physical and mental health benefits, reducing social isolation and campaigning to develop a National Preventative Strategy/Prescriptive policy.  

I hope you continue to support us as we make walking football safe and open to all, appreciating its many positive connections and enjoy participating in sport and activity once again.

Many thanks,

Gary McLaughlin

Chair, Walking Football Scotland

International Women's Day

WFS Trustee Vivian Wallace

Happy International Women's Day

On International Women's Day, did you know that one of the early pioneers of walking football in Scotland was a woman?
Walking Football Scotland trustee Vivian Wallace, through the Ageing Well programme, started off the Midlothian group back in 2012 which was one of the first walking football sessions in the country.

Vivian has been at the forefront, developing walking football and also helped bring the sport to Trinidad and Tobago, actually playing in the country’s first tournament held in the Hasley Crawford Stadium, Trinidad’s National stadium.

Based on a couple of recent WFS surveys, it is estimated that there may now be up to 200 women playing in Scotland with several women's groups in Perthshire, Midlothian, Glasgow and Ayrshire with many other women playing in predominantly male sessions across the country and we urge all affiliated groups to encourage more females to join their sessions.

Walking Football Scotland is aware that many older women had a very difficult time gaining access to football facilities back in the sixties and seventies and are proud to have Rose Reilly MBE as one of our two Patrons.

WFS Patron Rose Reilly said: “I am happy to support the good work of Walking Football Scotland especially on International women’s day, to encourage as many women as possible to get active, get out and try walking football as another form of exercise. “It is great to see women’s football so popular and more and more women playing.

“When I was younger not a lot of women had the opportunity to play football.  I was determined to play and my love of football is still a major part of my life.

“Now for older women at this stage in your life walking football allows you to enjoy and play again or start playing football for the first time.”  

Rose Reilly MBE

Have a look online for sessions near you in our Join in section.

CPR Training Offer to Member Groups

LIZ CRAWFORD PROJECTS OFFICER WITH ST JOHN SCOTLAND TEACHING MINISTER JOE FITZPATRICK AND WFS TRUSTEES GARY MCLAUGHLIN AND VIVIAN WALLACE SOME CPR

Walking Football Scotland is delighted to announce a joint venture with St John Scotland to provide CPR and Defibrillator awareness training to our members and participants. We have delivered pilot sessions and you would have seen St John Volunteers at work during the National Cup and Festival in Glasgow last June.
St John Scotland is a Scottish charity with volunteer teams based in 14 areas of the country. Their work as a charity is all about saving and enhancing lives and two of their core projects in Scotland are training people in what to do if someone has a cardiac arrest and supporting communities to install public access defibrillators.

Every week in Scotland 70 people will have a sudden cardiac arrest. That’s a little more than a fully loaded double decker bus. It can happen to anyone. Any age. Any time.

 In 2015 only 4 of these 70 people survived to go home to their families. The good news is the number of survivors is on the rise and this is largely because they get help quickly from someone who can do CPR. It’s a great skill to have, easy to learn and you can save a life. It’s also free and good fun! We would recommend that groups consider this training.

The training will be provided by St John Scotland volunteers, they will also provide all the training materials. There is no cost to Walking Football Scotland or to any groups; although a voluntary contribution to support this work is recommended.

To deliver the training, Affiliated Groups should arrange the following;
• Confirm an interest amongst your members with a minimum number of around 10 people, which may include partners, family and friends. Maximum numbers will depend on the number of volunteers available to deliver the training and the venue size.
• Contact St John Scotland’s Project Officer – Liz Crawford at : liz.crawford@stjohnscotland.org.uk or call her on 0131 550 9838
• Liz will liaise with local Area Teams to arrange your training session. Please let her know when you would like to do the training, giving a few options if possible.

Notes on the training session:
• You will need to book the venue for around one and a half hours
• Allow 15 minutes set up time and around 15 minutes for a Walking Football Scotland Presentation. A local WFS Trustee may be available to deliver this.
• The CPR and Defibrillator training session will last around an hour and will include an opportunity to practice CPR and use a training defibrillator.
• Most of the training is delivered on the floor, so some clear floor space is required; however the training is adaptable so everyone can take part.
• Walking Football Scotland and St John Scotland are keen to promote this work so it would be great if photographs can be taken at the session to share on social media.

 Send your photographs and a short written piece to: info@walkingfootballscotland.org

UEFA kick start to New Year

WFS Chair Gary McLaughlin with some of the footballs the clubs are due to receive

UEFA has given the older generation of Scotland an opportunity to actively kick-off the New Year. 

As 100 size 5 footballs have arrived in the country, part of the UEFA Grassroots Award recently won by Walking Football Scotland chairman Gary McLaughlin.

Gary has decided to give one ball to each of the Walking Football Scotland affiliated clubs so 97 clubs have an extra present to look forward to after the festive season is over... and a welcome start to 2020.

Gary said: “Football is a team sport and Walking Football Scotland is a team effort, it takes all of us to be a UEFA winner.

“Every club will benefit from one of these super footballs and I want to personally say a huge thank you to the UEFA Executive Committee for their generosity and support.”

WFS will follow up and be in touch with the clubs about delivery of the new ball and also said a big thanks to the Scottish FA for their assistance in getting the footballs out to the walking football clubs and groups.

Meanwhile WFS are currently updating all contacts within the groups and clubs and have sent out a reminder to make sure all groups have completed the survey sent out over the past two months.

WFS ask all clubs to make sure they have filled in the survey or get in touch through; info@walkingfootballscotland.org

Scottish FA Regional Manager John Brown made the presentation to Gary recently, as part of the UEFA Grassroots Week.

Sportscotland Award for WFS Chair

WFS Chair, Gary McLaughlin with his Scottish Sports Award 2019

Walking Football Scotland is delighted at the well deserved national and international recognition achieved by our Chair, Gary McLaughlin.
Having lifted the UEFA Silver Award a few months ago, Gary completed an incredible double by winning the Sunday Mail/Sportscotland Local Hero Award surrounded by the great and the good of Scottish sport at a star studded ceremony in Glasgow on 6th December.
This is a tremendous achievement considering the thousands of "Local Hero" volunteers who give up so much time, energy and commitment all across Scotland to encourage people of all ages to remain active and achieve their sporting goals.
Congratulations also to Gary's fellow nominees Fraser Johnstone from the Falkirk Junior Bike Club and Aberdeen's David Scott who leads the Fit Like Joggers group.

Many of you have had the pleasure of meeting Gary and experienced his amazing commitment however for those who may not know him, below is a summary of the application submitted by one of the WFS trustees to the Awards judging panel.

"As Chairperson of Walking Football Scotland, Gary McLaughlin has driven the game to massive growth in the last few years. Through the efforts of Gary and Walking Football Scotland (a voluntary, non funded charity), walking football is now one of the fastest growing activities for older people in Scotland with 97 member groups, 150 weekly sessions attracting over 3,500 participants.
Gary travels extensively across Scotland, at his own expense, offering support and advice on creating walking football programmes and has become a local hero in many communities.

The mission that Gary helped create for WFS was "To improve, maintain and promote the physical, mental and social well-being of older adults in Scotland through participation in walking football" and as a result of his efforts thousands of over 50 year olds in Scotland are now reaping the benefits, living far healthier and enriched lives.
In a recent national survey conducted by WFS, over 80% of participants showed significant improvements in general fitness, weight loss, mental health, increased friendships and social connectedness.

On securing Scottish charitable status for Walking Football Scotland, Gary led his fellow trustees in ensuring all appropriate governance and financial procedures were in place and a dynamic strategic plan was developed, outlining the group’s aims and objectives thereby creating a lead body for the sport.
He has also set up various sub-committees and chaired these groups looking to establish rules to play the game that ensured walking football was enjoyable, all inclusive and safe.

Additionally he has led WFS to many achievements and successful partnerships with the Scottish FA, Active Scotland, Age Scotland, Paths for All and charity partner Prostate Cancer UK. Recently he has addressed conferences across the UK including Headway, Drinkaware, SAMH, Scottish Football Museum, Football Memories to name a few and is a tireless ambassador for the benefits of walking football.

Personally, having been involved professionally for almost 30 years in sports development and facility/events management, Gary is one of the most committed individuals I have ever met. For a man now in his sixties, he has more energy and enthusiasm than many younger professionals and almost single-handed has raised the profile and participation in walking football amongst an older, initially difficult to reach, group of adults that many full time sporting organisations have failed to engage with."

Walking Football Scotland's AGM at Hampden Park

The AGM in full swing at Hampden Park in Glasgow.

A busy day at Hampden Park for the Walking Football Scotland Annual General Meeting on November 29.

The Strategic plan , the aims and objectives carried out by the Board of Trustees and the work to date was endorsed by a healthy meeting with almost 50 participants clubs/groups attending. The chairman and Treasurers report were well received and Gary McLaughlin and David Hyland were re-elected overwhelmingly, as Trustees for another 3 year period in line with the Constitution.

Gary was then re-elected as Chair and David re-elected as Treasurer for another year.

At the close of the AGM a Special Members Meeting was convened and the Education Pathway developed jointly with the Scottish FA was given a preview.

Everyone then had an opportunity to share their views and ideas on walking football and the development of the game in Scotland; Walking Football Scotland Trustee Vivian Wallace, led a World Cafe session, type of workshop.

There were five topics of discussion and those attending were given a set time at each Topic table, to have a say and write their points and opinions.

The five topics were under the headline of:

1. VAR - Rules, regulations, referees.

2. Squeaky bum time - Competition, leagues. 

3. Tracksuit manager - Education, training. 

4. Tackle - health & barriers.

5. Promotion - resources, media, merchandise.

On a whistle (from Coach Vivian) the teams moved round the tables writing their views on the paper table cloths.

Happy for once that there were no clean sheets by the end of the exercise and the results will be published as soon as possible and will be presented to the WFS Technical sub-committee and recommendations will be sent to the Board and published for everyone to see.

Julie Ross and other delegates at the Laws of the Game / regulations and the topical referees, VAR table

Chair Gary and other delegates enjoying the workshop led by WFS Trustee Vivian Wallace.

Trustee Vivian Wallace leading the discussion

 Walking Football Scotland would like to thank the Scottish FA for their hospitality on the day and their continued support throughout another eventful and successful year..

Hat Trick for Hearts 56

Heart of Midlothian 56 Scottish Walking Football League Champions

By Scott Campbell

HEARTS 56 were crowned Scottish champions for a third straight year as they won Walking Football Scotland’s Over 50s National League at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility on Wednesday, November 27.

 The Tynecastle side won three and drew one of their four games on a busy last day out of seven sessions, which have taken place over the last nine months, to pip Ayr United to the title by two points.

 Ayr had gone into the final day a point clear at the top after a run of eight wins and one draw over the previous three sessions.

 The Somerset Park side were looking to make it a double after their Over 65 side won the inaugural title at that age level last month.

 But it was always likely that there would be a few twists and turns before the championship was decided and that was the way it worked out.

 Five teams were in with a shout of the title, with Hearts 98, Alloa and Glasgow Sport East hoping to capitalise on any late mistakes by the top two.

 Ayr and Hearts 56 both won their first game and drew their second, so it was as you were after 20 games with United a point clear.

 But then Hearts 98 – who had just drawn 0-0 against the Hearts 56 side – did their Tynecastle team-mates a favour by winning 2-1 against Ayr.

 Hearts 56 were beating Tullibody 3-1 at the same time and went into the final games two points clear at the top. They knew another win would get the job done, and beat Motherwell 3-0 to seal the title, with proud captain Jimmy Bremner collecting the trophy from Walking Football Scotland chairman Gary McLaughlin and Scott Currie from hosts North Lanarkshire Leisure afterwards.

Hearts 56 also won the Fair Play Award, with Ralph Gillespie of Alloa named Player of the Year for 2019.

Walking Football Scotland would like to all the teams and participants for taking part and to thank Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire and North Lanarkshire Leisure for their continued support and hospitality.
A competitive league with social inclusion placed high on the agenda.

Runners-up Ayr United

Tweedvale's Tremendous Charity Fundraisers

Some of the marathon players

Tweedvale Walking Football Group held two events in November to raise money for our Charity partner Prostate Cancer UK and raised a fantastic £2,950.

The first event was a Bag Packing at Tesco, Peebles on November 9. Not only bag packing, the walking footballers had collection bins and promoted their forthcoming 12 hour marathon match, whilst raising a total of £666 on the day.

The main event, the 12 hour marathon match, was held 0900-2100 on November 16, at the Drill Hall, Peebles.

Money was raised through individual sponsorship forms, bin collections at the event and at various pubs during the match.

As play continued the people who popped in to watch and support the players were encouraged to participate in the game and there were a few who did, with the majority surprised at the effort required in walking football.

The Tweedvale players were well supported by Forsyth’s the Butcher who supplied pies and sausage rolls, Tesco who supplied drinks and fruits, individuals who supplied bananas and pizzas and the Green Tree Hotel, Crown Hotel and Neidpath Inn who allowed the group to collect donations in their bins.

Walking Football Scotland would like to thank EVERYONE who played a part in raising this tremendous amount of money for Prostate Cancer UK.

Walking Football Scotland Over 50's League Results October 2019

Action from the Motherwell V Tullibody match

Ayr United placed themselves top of the League, after three good wins, and one point ahead of Heart of Midlothian 56, at the end of play today, October 30.

With only 4 games left to play, another close finish is anticipated in the final session of the National Over 50’s League be held on November 27 at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility.

A fantastic days play today was enjoyed by all participants.

Many thanks to North Lanarkshire Leisure for hosting another fabulous session and to all the referees for putting up with us.

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