WFS Return to Play Survey

Walking Football Scotland is planning our return to play, for when it is safe to do so. A major factor in our return strategy, will be the support and information we receive from our groups and participants across the country.

 The Board would be most grateful for your thoughts on how you have been keeping and how we can safely return to walking football, and over the next few weeks, we will be sending out two Surveys. (Including this one, see below).

 Survey 1 | Health and general well-being.

Survey 2 | (in a few weeks’ time) On future competition/League formation and general play.

 Our return will always be based on Government approval, following a considerable reduction in COVID-19 infection rates, with clubs/groups following protocols and guidelines in place at the time.

 To help form this strategy, we are asking as many people as possible to complete the first, survey below:

 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WFSReturntoPlay

 To ensure we accurately reflect the views of as many participants as possible, we would be most grateful if you could share this link amongst other members of your walking football group(s).

These surveys will be a great help in shaping our return to play and a valuable resource to accompany the successful 2019 Survey. Any information provided in response to this survey will be processed in accordance with Walking Football Scotland's Data Protection & Privacy Policy:
https://www.walkingfootballscotland.org/new-page-2

Many thanks for your support and your time. We look forward to receiving your replies.

This Survey closed on 12th February 2021

Coronavirus Update January 2021

Following the First Minister’s update on 4 January 2021 and subsequent extended Level 4 ‘Stay at Home’ restrictions, Scottish Government, Scottish FA and sportscotland have provided updated guidance which means that all walking football activity must stop.

Walking Football Scotland appreciates the benefits and importance of exercise and physical activity and would urge everyone to consider the following guidance:

Participants and coaches should avoid any unnecessary travel – for further information on the Level 4 restrictions please see here.

and Scottish FA Updated Guidance :

If you do not live on mainland Scotland you can follow the guidance for your area here.

You can find the current Protection Level for each Scottish local authority area here.

Clubs (depending on your Local authority level), that are able to continue with activity need to ensure that all Covid-19 protocols and guidelines are followed, and ensure physical distancing, at all times.

Where possible please continue to stay in touch with your members and players during this difficult period. A reminder that there is further support, information and activities you can share within the Scottish FA Return to Football Hub.

At this time, Walking Football Scotland would encourage everyone to maintain daily physical activity, safely within their own household or by following the Scottish Government ‘meeting others outdoors’ guidance.

Have a look at our Partner Paths For All link, for some ideas and inspiration: Paths for All - Why Walk

Walking Football Scotland would like to thank the Scottish FA for their support and guidance and will continue to review and inform our participants, with updates from the Scottish Government.

Please keep safe and Active.

WFS Launch Club Shop

Walking Football Scotland is delighted to announce the launch of its Club Shop, offering all walking footballers, family and friends the opportunity to purchase WFS branded sportswear.

WFS Chair Gary McLaughlin said: “So happy with the launch of the Club Shop, today, November 18. Another chapter for WFS and some good news in these dark times. We must thank a lot of people in getting us to this point but, I emphasise the efforts of David Hyland, Robert Marshall and to Mr Arthur Duncan who designed our fabulous logo. I am sure everyone will agree with me that we have a quality product we can all wear with pride.”

The Club shop will be found on our website under Support and Resources - Club Shop.

Items currently include polo shirts, t-shirts training tops & bottoms with many others coming soon.

Why not treat yourself to an early Christmas present and help support the development of walking football across Scotland.
These can be ordered online at :

RJM Sports- WFS Club Shop

Scottish Government Protective Levels

Update on the impact of the Scottish Government Protective Levels on walking football across Scotland.

The restrictions themselves began at 6am on Monday November 2 and will be reviewed on a three weekly cycle thereafter. However, the Local Authority COVID Protection Levels are to be reviewed weekly so the situation in each local authority has the potential to change from week to week.

These restrictions are in place to keep us safe and to lessen the impact on the NHS.

All play must have Covid-19 Protocols and guidelines in place.

Adult football, unfortunately, is still not permitted within level 3 or 4 areas, out with the existing professional exemptions – although non-contact training is allowed.

NOTE FOR NON-CONTACT:

Non - Contact training for over 18 years in a Local Authority, where contact sports/football is not permitted.

Although, we are promoting people remaining physically active throughout this period. Please remember:

• Coach led sessions are permitted as long as they stay physically distant.

• A maximum of 18 players and a maximum of 4 coaches are permitted.

• Please remember hygiene measures should be adhered to all times.

• Please always adhere to local authority travel advice, and of course, any activity must be non-contact.

Please have a look at the attached simplified version of Walking Football Scotland framework for play, but please read the full documents and links below:

Covid-19 Protection levels by area:

Information on the Scottish Government link can be seen here:   https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-protection-levels/

Walking Football Scotland Framework for Play:

Walking Football Scotland urges all participants to read over the links below.

These links will keep you up to date and safe and in doing so, we can return more quickly to the game we love to play.

Information on the Scottish Government link for Monday November 2, will show you the local authority levels and can be seen here:   https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-protection-levels/

During periods of restriction, it is critical that club officials involved in the organisation of football at all levels – professional or grassroots, children or adult – familiarise themselves with all relevant information on the Scottish FA Return To Football Hub

The Board of Trustees appreciate the patience and support of everyone within the WFS football family, and ask everyone to continue to adhere to the guidance.

Thank you and stay safe.

Coronavirus Update October 8

On October 7 the First Minister announced that further restrictions would be introduced on a nationwide basis with other specific measures being introduced across the Central Belt reflecting the higher rates of incidence and prevalence currently in that area in general.  In addition, some existing rules and guidance will be strengthened alongside wider measures to reduce the transmission.

Following the latest update from the Scottish Government and the Scottish FA today, Thursday, October 8, Walking Football Scotland can confirm the impact on walking football as a result of government guidance. 

OVER 18 Football

ALL football activity,including walking football for those aged 18 and over is not permitted in the following areas:

1. Ayrshire & Arran Health Board, comprising East, North, and South Ayrshire;

2. Forth Valley Health Board, comprising Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, and Stirling;

3. Greater Glasgow & Clyde Health Board, comprising Glasgow City, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, Renfrewshire, and West Dunbartonshire;

4. Lanarkshire Health Board, comprising North and South Lanarkshire;

5. Lothian Health Board, comprising the City of Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, and West Lothian.

Scottish Government travel guidance is that individuals who live in a high risk local health board area should not travel outside their health board area. This guidance applies for players travelling for training or matches. 

Clubs NOT located within the five high risk local health board areas noted above can continue to train and play in line with the current Phase 3 Route Map Guidance.

Matches cannot be organised with any clubs located within the five high risk local Health Board areas. Participants should not travel to session’s out-with their own local Health Board areas

The WFS Board would reiterate, the suspension on all competitions, friendly matches, festivals, and events REMAIN in place until further guidance permits this next step to be taken.

Scottish Government Update: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-additional-measures-october-2020/

WFS advise NON-CONTACT walking football

Walking Football Scotland advise non-contact play for the foreseeable future as the Scottish FA has lifted suspension of play.

The restrictions were eased this week by the governing body in line with phase three of the Scottish Government’s route map out of the COVID-19 crisis.

This means that contact training for walking football – can resume from Monday August 24.

However after a full board meeting it was agreed that although guidelines permit contact play, Walking Football Scotland would recommend and ask all participants to play NON-contact walking football for the foreseeable future, in addition to the strict guidance and protocols issued by the Scottish FA Joint Response Group.

All parties should familiarise themselves with these important guidelines. For the adult game, specific restrictions apply with regards to distancing, pitch, and group sizes.

WFS Chair Gary McLaughlin said: “We have an opportunity to come closer to the walking football we all love and look forward too, but we must be mindful that it is not business as usual or back to normal.

“This virus has not gone away and, with our age group in mind, keeping a little distancing in play can assist in our safe return and lessen the spread of the virus.

“The overall health and wellbeing of participants, their family and coaches remain the main focus of the Board of Trustees during the Coronavirus threat.”

Players must observe the guidelines and protocols in place to enjoy the sport safely and although three sessions per week are now allowed, the Board also ask participants to be mindful of the sessions and areas they choose and travel to in an effort to contain further spread.

To reiterate, the suspension on competitions, friendly matches, festivals, and events REMAINS in place until further guidance permits this next step to be taken.

It should also be noted that, at this time, access to facilities may be challenging for clubs and WFS ask for continued patience as local authorities and leisure trusts put in place plans to fully re-open outdoor pitches and facilities.

The organisation urges all clubs to utilise the resources and guidelines now available on the Scottish FA. Return to Football Hub. This will allow clubs to plan in conjunction with committees, coaches, and participants to make sure everyone is aware of their role in ensuring our return, is safe and continues to promote public health guidelines and where possible to volunteer as a Covid Co-ordinator for your club. Covid E-Learning can be obtained at: Covid E-Learning course

Walking Football Scotland has highlighted a small part of the Return to Football Hub and urge everyone to have a good look through the document and links on our website at:  WFS website: Covid-19 Route map Phase three

Girvan F.C. on the Route map back to walking football

WFS Chair Gary McLaughlin is taken through the guidelines by Girvan FC’s Covid Co-ordinator Andrew Sinclair, being watched closely by some of the socially distancing group

It is fantastic to see the efforts being taken by our member groups as they make ready to fall in line with phase three of the Scottish Government’s route map out of the COVID-19 crisis.

WFS Chair Gary McLaughlin was fortunate enough to attend one of the earliest groups in the country on the route back as the walking football section of Girvan F.C. in South Ayrshire took to the pitch. He was there to see the work the club has put in to ready their facilities and ensure all guidelines and protocols are in place.

Girvan F.C. Chairman Danny McCulloch having his temperature checked by Covid Co-ordinator Andrew Sinclair.

Gary said: “We have to appreciate that although this is not a return to normal walking football it was great to see the players in Girvan enjoying the banter and activity, even in the rain. The efforts of the club and Andrew Sinclair in particular to make sure everything is in place, from the welcome and protocols of the Covid Officers to the checking of temperatures, questionnaire and sanitising, nothing was missed or left to chance.”

Danny McCulloch - Chair, Girvan F.C. said: “It was good to see some friendly faces back playing walking football at Hamilton Park but this is just the beginning! To ensure that we can continue to play walking football we all have to remain vigilant and continue to follow the guidelines and protocols set out in the Scottish Government and SFA route map for the return to football.”

At this time, access to facilities may be challenging for clubs and WFS asks for your continued patience as local authorities and leisure trusts put in place plans to fully re-open outdoor pitches and facilities.

Walking Football Scotland recommends all interested parties familiarise themselves with these important guidelines as specific restrictions apply with regards to distancing, pitch, and group sizes for the adult game and look for volunteers to undergo the Covid-19 E-Learning course.

Walking Football Scotland has highlighted a small part of the Return to Football Hub and urge everyone to have a good look through the document and links on our website at:

Walking Football Scotland Route map back Phase three

Covid E-Learning course

Hand sanitising before entering the field of play.

Walking Football Scotland National Survey

In September 2019 Walking Football Scotland conducted a national survey amongst its membership in an attempt to identify general information on participants including gender, age, participation levels, and the health and well-being benefits of walking football.

A survey monkey link was sent to around 600 contacts on Walking Football Scotland’s data base plus a link posted on their Facebook page which received a total of 358 responses. At a conservative estimate, this accounts for at least 13% of active walking footballers across Scotland which is an excellent response with the results showing a fairly accurate reflection of the current situation.

The results were initially shared at Walking Football Scotland’s Annual General Meeting and the key findings of the survey that includes age demographics, playing frequencies and key health & lifestyle indicators are displayed on the slides below.

The Health & Lifestyle indicators section was seen as the most important and has produced some excellent evidence of the benefits walking football can offer the older community. Participants were asked to rate eight Health & Lifestyle Indicators that covered physical, mental and social well-being on a scale of 0 to 4 with 0 being no improvement to 4 being high since they became involved in walking football.
This produced extremely positive results with the vast majority reporting strong improvements in all areas with almost 76% of all respondents indicating health improvements between levels 2 to 4.

Most respondents indicated they had been playing for over two years, at least twice per week and many well into their 70's. The long-term benefits of walking football both physically, mentally, and socially are ground-breaking. What is remarkable is the high percentage of participants who have shown improvements ranging from small to very significant in every area of this survey.

The full report can be download here:

Walking Football Scotland Survey 2019

 ©️Walking Football Scotland

Covid-19 Route map Phase Three Update August 21

The suspension of football by the Scottish FA will be lifted from Monday 24 August in line with the update provided by the First Minister yesterday, Thursday August 20 to phase three of the Scottish Government’s route map out of the COVID-19 crisis.

In practical terms, this means that contact training for the youth and adult game – including professional and non-professional – can resume from Monday morning in line with updated government guidelines.

This guidance refers to the Route map for the return to football that has been issued by the Scottish FA Joint Response Group throughout the recreational game in conjunction with Sportscotland and the Scottish FA’s Return to Football Hub has been updated to reflect the most recent advice.

Walking Football Scotland recommends all interested parties, familiarise themselves with these important guidelines. For the adult game, specific restrictions apply with regards to distancing, pitch, and group sizes.

From Monday we have an opportunity to come closer to the walking football we all look forward too, but we must be mindful that it is not business as usual or back to normal. We must observe the guidelines and protocols in place to enjoy our sport safely.

To reiterate, the suspension on competitions, friendly matches, festivals, and events REMAINS in place until further guidance permits this next step to be taken.

It should also be noted that, at this time, access to facilities may be challenging for clubs and we ask for your continued patience as local authorities and leisure trusts put in place plans to fully re-open outdoor pitches and facilities.

We urge all clubs to utilise the resources and guidelines now available on the Scottish FA. Return to Football Hub. This will allow clubs to plan in conjunction with committees, coaches, and participants to make sure everyone is aware of their role in ensuring our return, is safe and continues to promote public health guidelines.

Walking Football Scotland have highlighted a small part of the Return to Football Hub and urge everyone to have a good look through the document.

Some key elements of the guidance for adults will be as follows:

• The creation of contact bubbles on the pitch. At all other times before and after training, physical distancing must be maintained.

• The number permitted in each bubble will be dependent on the area of the pitch being used and the players cannot interact with another bubble during the session.

• No dressing rooms or showers should be used at this stage.

• Players should arrive separately and ready for training.

The previous medical and personal hygiene protocols for “physical distance" training still apply

During Training

• Players do not need to adhere to physical distancing whilst on the pitch, but all coaches must always maintain 2 metre physical distancing.

• Follow the instructions of your coaches, club officials or facility staff regards procedures for keeping everyone safe.

• Try to avoid touching hard surfaces. This includes, goalpost, cones, markers, poles, hurdles, or any other equipment that is used for training.

• Goalkeepers gloves MUST be worn at all times and never exchanged

• Goalkeepers, please adhere to Goalkeeping COVID Guidelines, which can be found here: https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/media/6918/guide-for-gks-24-august.pd

• If you need to sneeze or cough, do so into a tissue or your elbow and then wash your hands at the hygiene station provided.

After Training

• Please leave the football club or facility immediately after the training session.

• Please limit your attendance at the football club or facility and only attend for arranged training sessions.

• Apply hand sanitiser.

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

• 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.

• You must maintain 2 metre physical distancing, with those out with your household once you leave the pitch.

The Return to Football Hub link: Scottish FA Return to Football

Sportscotland COVID Officer E-Learning course : Covid E-Learning Course

Coronavirus Update August 14

Return to training delayed

Scottish Football’s Joint Response Group yesterday, Thursday August 13 outlined a wide range of measures agreed with the Scottish Government to reinforce Scottish football’s commitment to public health and adherence to protocols.

These measures have been approved by the JRG and follow extensive discussions with Scottish Government Ministers and health advisers.

Walking Football Scotland fully support the JRG and Scottish Government, and would like to make clear:

Return to training and all organised adult football over-18 – will be delayed until at least 24 August, pending updated government guidance on the 20th.

Adult (over-18) recreational football will not be permitted to participate in any form of organised training.
Youth (under-18) football can continue in line with current Scottish Government guidance.

In order to provide government health officials with the necessary confidence that Scottish football can return safely and in accordance with relevant government guidelines and football protocols, the Scottish FA has agreed that the return to training for clubs out with the SPFL Premiership – which includes all organised adult football over-18 – will be delayed until at least 24 August, pending updated government guidance on the 20th. This is to ensure that:

• All club facilities comply with the current JRG Protocols, social distancing and hygiene measures.

• All club policies and procedures comply with the current protocols and government guidance.

• Club testing regimes in the professional game comply with the protocols.

• Players and staff at all levels of the game have been reminded of the latest government guidance.

Rod Petrie, Joint Response Group Chair: “The message from First Minister could not have been clearer. The JRG must now ensure that the planned resumption of football beyond the Scottish Premiership is done in a controlled manner with the strictest adherence to protocols and guidelines.

“The pause on the return to training for the professional game out with the Scottish Premiership will not impact on the proposed start dates of the respective league competitions but will give sufficient time to reinforce protocols, educate players and make sure of the ability of clubs in the lower divisions to conform.”

To reiterate, the suspension on competitions, friendly matches, festivals and events REMAINS in place until further guidance permits this next step to be taken.

It should also be noted that, at this time, access to facilities may be challenging for clubs and we ask for your continued patience as local authorities and leisure trusts put in place plans to fully re-open outdoor pitches and facilities.

We urge all clubs to utilise the resources and guidelines now available on the Scottish FA. Return to Football Hub. This will allow clubs to plan in conjunction with committees, coaches and participants to make sure everyone is aware of their role in ensuring our return, ( when permitted) is safe and continues to promote public health guidelines.

https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/media/6784/phase-three-training-guidelines-for-adult-football.pdf

 BACK TO LISTING

Scotland's Greatest Sportswoman

Rose Reilly

Congratulations on another fantastic achievement for our wonderful Patron Rose Reilly MBE, on being voted as Scotland’s Greatest Sportswoman in a recent poll held by the BBC.

Nominated alongside a list of true Scottish sporting greats, it is further recognition for this wonderful woman and her remarkable journey in sport and in life.

Rose has been a great supporter of Walking Football Scotland and we are all proud and delighted that she has been recognised with this prestigious accolade.

In the 1970’s at the age of 17 and having already played 10 games for the Scotland Women’s team , Rose moved abroad to fulfil her dream and be a professional footballer as she was unable to play professional football in the UK at that time.

She started off with Reims in France, winning a League title, before moving to AC Milan. During her time in Italy Rose won eight Serie A titles, four Italian Cups and was twice Serie A Golden Boot winner. At her peak in 1983 Rose captained Italy and scored one of the goals as Italy defeated the USA to lift the Women’s World Cup in front of a 90,000 crowd at China’s National Stadium. Voted the world’s best female footballer in 1983.

Gary McLaughlin chair of WFS said: “A trailblazer and huge supporter of women in sport and activity. Rose is a great friend and Patron of Walking Football Scotland. I am delighted for Rose and her family, this is further recognition of her commitment and passion for football and fair play for all.”

Well done Rose

Rose with both WFS Scottish Cups

Dementia Inclusion Training Programme

Age Scotland and Walking Football Scotland kicked off their consultation process yesterday July 15, looking to develop a new dementia inclusion training programme for walking football clubs.

The event was led by Age Scotland’s Sandra Brown, and attended on Zoom by WFS Trustees, regional representatives and some of our participants from across the country whose experiences and insights will be hugely invaluable in designing this training and ensuring we deliver an important tool in supporting and improving the walking football experience for all. 

It’s important for us to be aware of the specific challenges groups may face in seeking to be inclusive of people with dementia and to learn from the experiences of others on how they dealt with and what they put in place to overcome these challenges.

Our sincere thanks to everyone who attended and for their contribution in this first stage.

Covid-19 Route map - Phase Three

Partial lifting of training restrictions

This guidance is for all Walking Football Scotland member groups and participants in accordance with the Scottish Government ‘Phase Three’ guidelines published on 9 July 2020 and can be implemented from Monday July 13.

For the avoidance of doubt there has been no change to the suspension of matches, including friendly matches

Walking football participants can resume physically distanced training sessions.

The participants in each session must be from NO MORE than five different households with a maximum of 15 people. (Note: A coach is included in the 15 people.) There can be no player-to-player contact and all involved must remain physically distant from each other before, during and after each session.

Clubs are required to keep attendance records for each session to assist with tracing protocols.

It is expected that the number of teams who can meet the criteria allowing 15 participants will be limited. For teams with no players from the same household, they will require to train in groups of five adults - for example four players plus one coach or five players.

All affiliated clubs and groups should ensure they have read, understood, and implemented all the appropriate protocols before making a return to training.

This should include the appointment of a COVID-19 co-ordinator, who should ensure that all relevant club personnel are aware of the updated First Aid protocols.

To reiterate, the suspension on competitions, friendly matches, festivals and events will remain in place until further guidance permits the next steps to be taken.

It should also be noted that, at this time, access to facilities may be challenging for clubs and we ask for your continued patience as local authorities and leisure trusts put in place plans to fully reopen outdoor pitches and facilities.

We urge all clubs to utilise the resources and guidelines now available on the Scottish FA. Return to Football Hub. This will allow clubs to plan in conjunction with committees, coaches and participants to make sure everyone is aware of their role in ensuring the return to training is safe and continues to promote public health guidelines.

Walking Football Scotland appreciates, everyone has shown tremendous patience in following the public health guidelines that have been in place throughout the football shutdown. As we start to see the removal on restrictions, we ask that all affiliated clubs and groups continue to support and follow these new guidelines as we look forward to seeing the return to football’s arrival in the future.

Walking Football Scotland would like to thank the Scottish FA for their assistance and use of their guideline material.

Have a read at the return to training Guidelines link: https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/media/6784/phase-three-training-guidelines-for-adult-football.pdf

Scottish Government Covid-19 link: https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/

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