WFS Scottish Cup & Festival 2024 - Sponsored by CHSS

/

We are delighted to announce that our Scottish Cup and Festival 2024 to be played on Saturday 22nd June, has once again been sponsored by 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁, 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 & 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗸𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 and entries are now open!

CHSS are Scotland’s largest health charity working to help people with chest, heart and stroke conditions live life to the full and we look forward in welcoming them again to what is such a special day in the WFS calendar.

Teams can now enter by contacting competition@walkingfootballscotland.org to request an entry form which is also available to download here.

Categories available include:

  • Over 50’s

  • Over 60’s

  • Over 65’s

  • Over 70’s

  • Over 40’s Women’s

  • Over 50’s Women’s

  • Over 40’s Mixed Non-Competitive Festival

We ask all clubs not delay in completing entry form and return to us ASAP to secure your clubs space. In the interim, only 1 team per age group will be accepted with additional teams added to waiting list.

We are thoroughly looking forward as ever, to what we will be a fantastic day and we hope that your team will be able to join us.

To learn more about the terrific work by CHSS click here - Home - Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (chss.org.uk)

ARTHUR DUNCAN MEMORIAL AWARD WINNER 2023 - COLIN CRAIG

/

𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗨𝗥 𝗗𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗔𝗡 𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗥 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 - 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗡 𝗖𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗚

‘𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝑶𝒖𝒕𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒃𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝑾𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑭𝒐𝒐𝒕𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒊𝒏 𝑺𝒄𝒐𝒕𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅.’

Arthur Duncan was a long-standing supporter and contributor to Walking Football in Scotland and was a fervent supporter of the social playing sessions and what it contributed to the “society” of players. Arthur was also a very talented man and along with ex-Chair, Gary McLaughlin created the WFS logo, later assigning copyright over the logo to Walking Football Scotland.

In recognition of his contribution, Walking Football Scotland launched the above award in 2022 for outstanding contribution to the game locally and among the community.

Prior to our AMM several excellent candidates were nominated from across the country and we are delighted to announce that the winner of the Arthur Duncan Memorial Award for 2023 is Drumchapel Utd’s, 𝘾𝙊𝙇𝙄𝙉 𝘾𝙍𝘼𝙄𝙂.

In 2019, after being a regular participant, Colin Craig, stepped forward and offered to cover a summer’s walking football programme in Glasgow to ensure sessions could continue at Glasgow Club Donald Dewar. After huge success and growth in numbers, Colin was hired as a coach and numbers have soared from a respectable 12 to now 75 active members in partnership with Drumchapel Utd.

Colin is a passionate advocate of fair play, being kind to each other and leads and coaches with a smile, never afraid to gently challenge unhelpful attitudes and remarks, characterised by good humour, banter and appropriate competitiveness.

Colin’s first passion is inclusion ensuring that there are no barriers to participation, and ability levels do not matter. He can be commended for the team spirit and camaraderie he nurtures to ensure that everyone is part of the group, including those with a health challenges, dementia, sight and hearing loss, autism, mental health issues and he also regularly keeps in touch with injured or unwell players to ensure that they are never forgotten about.

Under his guidance the leadership and support he gives to Drumchapel food bank as well as WFS charity partners, Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland has seen the game open up new avenues and he has been at the forefront of it all. You can read his story here - https://youtu.be/HYhy1tg_8xg?si=VwI-FyyLgxXz6rWW

He organises social events for the team and ensures that the group are all one community and one big family through the power of football.

Colin is an inspiration to us all and to walking football here in Scotland and beyond.

Hearty congratulations Colin, who was presented with the Award at Hampden Park by President Kenny McLean and patron Rose Reilly MBE.

Special congratulations to the other high quality nominations that included:

- David Callaghan | Linlithgow Rose CFC

- Gordon Farquharson | Fairfield

- Jim Paterson | Carrick WFC

- Ray Parker | Arbroath

colin craig, rose reilly mbe & president kenny mclean

colin craig with family & drumchapel utd wf

International Women’s Day

/

𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗪𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡’𝗦 𝗗𝗔𝗬

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we encourage member groups to actively promote women’s walking football at their sessions to encourage more women to get involved.

We’ve been delighted to see a huge increase in numbers participating across the country and this is evident again within our Women’s league this year with 21 teams taking part last Sunday.

We give thanks for the support we at Walking Football Scotland receive from various women including trustee and walking football pioneer, Vivian Wallace, our Regional Reps - Claire McCosh, Jenny Hammond, Kendell Cummings and then also our own WFS patron, Rose Reilly MBE.

O60's WEST PREMIERSHIP & CHAMPIONSHIP

/

It was back to league action for our West O60’s on Wednesday 6th March at Toryglen Regional Football Centre with our new Premiership and Championship structure.

2 year champions, Glasgow Life continue where they left off and are back at the top of the league however joint points with Townhead Strollers and North Lanarkshire Council in the Premiership. In the Championship, Drumchapel Utd top the league, but similarly they are joined with Gretna 2008 and Drumchapel Utd - J. N. Electrics - who are all on 7 points.

We thank all 15 clubs, players and referees for their support today for what was a good afternoon of walking football.

We look forward in welcoming you back to Toryglen on Wednesday 29th May.

Photographs - Photosbyphild.com

north lanarkshire council

glasgow life

motherwell fc ct

ayr utd

pollok thistle

pollok uts

park villa

giffnock sc auld timers

john sutton community club

drumchapel utd

gretna 2008

morton fc

townhead strollers

whitletts vics

Regional Managers - Appointments

/

Walking Football Scotland are delighted to provide an update on recent advertised voluntary roles of WFS Regional Team Managers.

We would like to say a thank you to all those who expressed an interest and as we now set out the next steps on the selection process and formation of WFS Regional Teams, please see the following confirmed appointments:

Over 50’s

Central - Callum Brown (Manager)

East - Gordon Farquharson (Manager), Charles Doherty (Assistant)

South East - David Fairgrieve (Manager)

South West - Jim Marshall (Manager), Brian Connolly (Assistant)

West - John Campbell (Manager), Bobby McCrory (Assistant)

North - VACANT

Over 60’s

North East - John McDonald (Manager), Steve Ross (Assistant)

Central - Richard Sinclair (Manager)

South East - VACANT

South West - Hugh McKay (Manager), David Howie (Assistant)

West - Maurice Coyne (Manager), John Young (Assistant)

Over 65’s

North East - VACANT

Central - Richard Sinclair (Manager)

South East - Richard Gdulewicz (Manager)

South West - David Reid (Manager)

West - Eric Dunion (Manager)

Over 70’s

North East - Bobby Craigie (Manager)

Central - Alan Prosser (Manager), John Brown (Assistant)

South East - Gerry Butler (Manager), Paul Rendall (Assistant)

South West - David Reid (Manager)

West - David Bilsland (Manager)

Women’s Over 40’s & Over 50’s

North East - David Callaghan (Manager), Jim Gilfeather (Assistant)

Central - Claire McCosh (Manager)

South West - Mhari Lindsay (Manager), Rhona Carson (Assistant)

West - Linsey Paton-Donaldson (Manager), Carolyn Kent (Assistant)

We would like to thank those willing volunteers who have stepped forward to support this new venture, filling 22 of the 25 roles on offer.

We still have 3 managerial vacancies and anyone interested should please contact Matt Ramsay on matt@walkingfootballscotland.org for more information.

WFS O60's Premiership & Championship

/

Our Over 60’s Walking Footballers in the West of the country kick off their competitive league action on Wednesday 6th March at Toryglen Regional Football Centre with a new Premiership and Championship structure for 2024 including promotion and relegation.

2 year champions, Glasgow Life will be looking for further success however it was Ayr Utd that pipped them to both Champions League and Scottish Cup wins for 2023 so no doubt this will once again be a very competitive season.

15 teams will take part with 8 teams in the Premiership and 7 teams in the Championship and this year we are delighted to welcome a few new O60’s clubs to the West with the likes of; Gretna 2008, John Sutton CC, Morton FC and Park Villa.

We wish teams all the very best for the upcoming season and look forward in seeing you on Wednesday.

O40's & O50'S WOMEN'S PREMIERSHIP & CHAMPIONSHIP

/

Our Ladies kicked off their competitive league action on Sunday 3rd March at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility with both Over 40’s and Over 50’s categories taking part.

21 teams arrived in central Scotland eagerly anticipating what they hope will be a great season ahead and in the Over 40’s Premiership, Linlithgow Rose - Whites carried on from where they left off, with 4 straight wins and go top of the league after round 1, closely followed by Braehead.

In the O40’s Championship, new entries R FFIT are top on goal difference above Three Valleys Women, after impressive starts for both clubs.

In the O50’s category, Braehead top the league winning all of their games with Giffnock and R FFIT both 2 points behind on 7.

One thing for sure, we are going to be in for an exciting season and we thank all teams, coaches, venue staff, referees and regional reps for all their support today.

We look forward in seeing you all again on Sunday 5th May for Round 2.

Photos - photosbyphild.com

o40’s

o50’s

jeanfield swifts

motherwell

three valleys women

r ffit

giffnock

braehead

linlithgow rose cfc

cumnock striders

Player of the Month (February) - Pauline Monteith & Paul Burns

/

As 2024 kicks off we’re getting the ball rolling with a spotlight in partnership with CHSS on a Walking Football Scotland Player of the Month! 

For February the Walking Football Scotland Women’s Player of the Month is Pauline Monteith! Pauline, 54, plays with Braehead FC.

Walking Football Scotland Men’s Player of the Month is Paul Burns! Paul, 62, plays with Hearts FC.

Congratulations Pauline and Paul! They shared their reflections on what Walking Football means to them.

Why did you get involved in walking football?

Pauline: “I saw an advert on a local Facebook page and I thought why not as I had played football with the boys over 40 years ago and surely it’s like riding a bike! You never forget!”

Paul: “I have a picture of myself kicking a ball outside my house at 18 months old and I’ve loved  playing football ever since. At 55 years young, I had a cardiac arrest playing 6 aside’s, but couldn’t imagine not playing football. When I heard about Walking Football from Colin Mackay I just knew it would be perfect for me. One year after my cardiac arrest, I joined the world of Walking Football and I’ve  never looked back.”

What positive impact has walking football had on your life?

Pauline: “At the time my dad had been diagnosed with vascular dementia and I needed something to help my own mental health, somewhere to switch off.

Now, I would say I have never been fitter and play walking football at least 3 or 4 times a week with an amazing bunch at Braehead.”

Paul: “I love the feeling of being part of the Walking Football community. Fitness improves, new friendships grow and there’s laughs a plenty. There’s nothing better than seeing a new Walking Footballer come along to a session and loving it. I play in the competitions and get everything I ever had playing football in my younger years.”

What would you say to encourage others to come along?

Pauline: “Go for it you will love it! You will feel fitter, healthier and be part of an amazing community.

It doesn’t matter if you have never played before! Here at Braehead our age group goes from 18 to 68 with a mixture of ability. Come rain or shine this team absolutely love taking part.”

Paul: “Don’t let anybody put you off coming along to a Walking Football session. They’ll have a lot to say but never tried it. The banter’s great. There’s a good chance you’ll know at least one person in the group. It’s not about ability, it’s about playing football with like-minded mates at a wee bit slower pace.”

LINLITHGOW ROSE CFC VISIT HAMPDEN PARK

/

Through the support of our partnership with Scottish Football Museum and Football Memories Scotland, saw Linlithgow Rose CFC visit our National Stadium today for a tour of Hampden Park and Museum.

Linlithgow Rose, led by David Callaghan, have seen a massive growth in the club’s women’s section and they will be competing this coming Sunday in the opening league fixtures at Ravenscraig, some of whom were present today.

The group enjoyed their tour before changing in the Home dressing room and taking part in a walking football match within the Warm Up Area. An opportunity to learn all about Football Memories Scotland followed before enjoying reminiscing around the Hampden Museum.

We thank our friends at Hampden Museum and Football Memories Scotland for another enjoyable day and if any other clubs are looking for a similar experience, please contact Matt Ramsay at matt@walkingfootballscotland.org

Women's O40's & O50's Premiership & Championships

/

Our Ladies kick off their competitive league action on Sunday 3rd March at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility with both Over 40’s and Over 50’s categories available for the very first time this year.

Last year’s National League saw Linlithgow Rose crowned Champions, however this year we have 13 teams competing in a Premiership and Championship split with relegation and promotion for the Over 40’s, and then 8 teams will battle it out to become inaugural Over 50’s Champions.

We wish teams all the very best for the upcoming season and look forward in seeing you on Sunday.

over 40’s premiership

over 40’s championship

over 50’s

Club News

/

Our new bibs have been a popular addition of support to our clubs across the country thanks to our charity partners, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.

With thanks from Fife Wanderers, Forfar Athletic, Falkirk Foundation, Glenbuck & Douglas Valley, R FFIT Ladies and Rossvale.

We hope this supports your weekly sessions and they get many a wear out of them!

fife wanderers

FORFAR

falkirk foundation

glenbuck & douglas valley

r ffit ladies

rossvale

Regional Managers - Vacancies

/

Last week we announced that we are looking to make appointments of WFS Regional Team Managers and we thank all those who have expressed an interest already.

There are only a few categories that have yet to seek interest and these include the following:

  • Over 50’s - North & South East

  • Over 60’s - North East & South East

  • Over 65’s - North East, South East & West

  • Over 70’s - West

Anyone who is interested to know more information or to express an interest in becoming a Regional Team Manager for any of the above, please contact matt@walkingfootballscotland.org and/or download and send application form which can be found here - Regional Team Manager

Closing date will be Friday 1st March where applications will be then reviewed and appointments made thereafter.

O65's WEST PREMIERSHIP

/

It’s was the turn of the West Over 65’s to commence their competitive league season as they kicked off today at Toryglen Regional Football Centre.

14 teams arrived in hope for a successful season and after today’s opening fixtures, Pollok Thistle top the league with 7 points.

Last year’s winners Pollok Utd, went through the season last year unbeaten but it was their own additional team, Pollok Thistle that took 3 points off them before Giffnock SC Auld Timers played them out for a draw too.

Today also witnessed a first for us at WFS as we witnessed ‘father and son’ refereeing with Nathan Brown making his WFS Refereeing debut under the watchful eye of his father, Rob.

One thing for sure, according to the league table and on performances today, this is going to be a very tight and competitive league and we look forward to welcoming all clubs back on Wednesday 24th April for the next round of fixtures.

We thank all players, regional reps, referees and venue staff for making it a good afternoon of walking football in the west of the country!

REGIONAL REPS - VACANCIES

/

Can you help us?

We at Walking Football Scotland are indebted to our fantastic volunteer Regional Reps who help support the delivery of our aims and objectives at grassroots levels, with the support of our clubs within their regions.

We are now looking for more help to compliment our current 16 reps, and have various vacancies across the country where we are looking for Regional Reps within the following areas:

  • North - Aberdeenshire, Highlands, Islands, Moray

  • East - Fife, Perth & Kinross

  • South West - Dumfries & Galloway

  • West - Argyll & Bute, Inverclyde, Renfrewshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire

So what does the role of a Regional Rep include:

  • Assist the Trustees to deliver the aims and objectives of WFS on a regional basis

  • Be a WFS point of contact for Regional Member Clubs

  • Visitation of clubs within own region, reaching out to see where WFS can assist

  • Help support the development new clubs

  • Promote and support WFS Member activities – Festivals, Charity Events, etc.

  • Help create good news stories from clubs, providing regular updates to WFS for inclusion in media releases etc.

  • Support smooth operation of WFS competitions

  • Promote and support delivery of WFS Education Workshops

If you feel you can support to enable us to grow the game, please contact matt@walkingfootballscotland.org for more information.