As 2024 kicks off in collaboration with our charity partners, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, we’re getting the ball rolling with a spotlight on a new feature - Player of the Month!
For January the Walking Football Scotland Player of the Month is Steve Winstanley & Linsey Paton-Donaldson, congratulations both!
Steve, 71, plays with the Dunfermline Dynamos and Fife Wanderers. Steve shared his reflections on what Walking Football means to him.
Why did you get involved in walking football?
“I always loved football and played, often 2 of 3 times a week until I was 40. After that I thought my footballing days would just be watching others play in the park and thinking “I could do better than that”, so when I saw the posters in my local leisure centre in 2019 for Walking Football I thought I’d give it a try and I was hooked! My love of playing had been re-ignited and I’ve never looked back.”
What positive impact has walking football had on your life?
“Apart from improving my general level of fitness and mental well being, I have met and made friends with so many other like minded people through walking football. I look forward to our sessions and the friendly banter that goes with it and the social side afterwards. Plus if you still have a competitive edge, Walking Football Scotland has several leagues you could play in.”
What would you say to encourage others to come along?
“If you see it advertised locally or on the internet, go for it, you won’t regret it. Everyone is treated the same, even if you’ve never played before and it’s a great way to make new friends and get out of the house.”
Linsey, 41, plays with Stenhousemuir FCCT and Linlithgow Rose. Linsey shared her reflections on what Walking Football means to her.
Why did you get involved in walking football?
“I played for many years when I was younger but required surgery due to having ulcerative colitis and, despite my best efforts at the time, this eventually stopped me from playing. I was later diagnosed with a liver disease called Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and have been listed for a liver transplant. I missed being active and socialising. Plus, to survive the transplant, it has become even more important to maintain my cardiovascular health and mental wellbeing so that I have a better prognosis – walking football provided a platform to exercise safely whilst meeting people and having fun. It ticked every box.”
What positive impact has walking football had on your life?
“Meeting so many brilliant people. Walking Football Scotland is a huge family community. Everyone is made welcome at sessions, regardless of their background, ability or home club. I am physically active several times a week, have made many new friends and we now participate in a range of different activities and social events. I have a new purpose in my life and through taking part and volunteering for other activities with Stenhousemuir, I have now been employed by their Community Trust and I’m doing a job that I love. Being able to compete and have fun doing it is a bonus.”
What would you say to encourage others to come along?
“Don’t make assumptions about the game. It’s football with a difference. It doesn’t matter if you have played before, you’ll always be made welcome. It provides a level of physical activity that will contribute to improving your health with regular participation, but you are in control of the level of exertion and the laws of the game (walking, 3-touches, no contact) really do help to level the playing field so that anyone can turn up, join in and have fun. You won’t regret joining the Walking Football Scotland family.”
