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The O65’s East Premiership returns Monday 22nd April at Oriam National Performance Centre.
Stenhousemuir and Alloa Athletic are joint top with only 1 goal separating the clubs but face tough opposition with Monday’s fixtures.
We wish all teams all the very best and sure it will be another good day in the East of the country.
Our Over 50’s in the East of the country recommence their respective leagues at the RPC Dundee this coming Sunday.
Arbroath - Maroon will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the league but face 2nd, 3rd and 4th place teams to what we are sure will be difficult games.
In the Championship, only goal difference keeps Carnoustie Panmure and Forfar1298 apart, but what will the league tables look like come Sunday night? Only time will tell.
All the very best to all teams!
We have been delighted to see the excellent stories over the past few weeks of our clubs working together as well as personal achievements and recognitions.
Recently R FFIT visited Rossvale in a friendly match ahead of them both taking part in the Glasgow Trophy Ladies event.
On Motherwell Fc’s ‘Well Society Day’, Brian from their walking football group was asked to to place the match ball on the centre spot as they recognised inspirational figures within their club and community. Well done Brian!
On World Parkinson’s Day, the Glasgow Life walking footballers had a special treat with visit from the Scottish Cup on its 150th Anniversary and then shared in a special celebration meal with partners and family courtesy of Celtic FC Foundation.
And finally, the Glasgow Trophy hosted by Glasgow Life took place last week where a tremendous 120 clubs and over 1000 players from across the UK took part to be crowned champions. Well done to Linlithgow Rose, North Lanarkshire Council, Alloa Athletic and Ayr Utd who picked up honours as well as Bolton Arena (Ladies) but a special congratulations to Glasgow Life for once again providing an excellent event for all.
rossvale v r ffit
brian from motherwell fc ct
world parkinsons day
world parkinsons day
We are delighted to announce that we will be working with The Pars Foundation and The Raith Rovers Community Foundation whom have joined together to deliver sessions for those on their journey with Parkinson’s.
Brian Carson, trustee of Parkinson’s UK commented: “What a wonderful provision for those who have Parkinson’s within Fife, it’s great that two clubs have joined together in creating these sessions.”
Drew Wilson, WFS Parkinson’s Educator, added: “Football brings a lot of fun and camaraderie, no matter what you’re going through. The power of football helps us keep healthy and supports our mental health. Well done to The Pars Foundation and Raith Rovers Community Foundation in delivering this project. Good luck to everyone involved!”
What does a typical session look like?
- A dynamic warm-up including stretching and movement
- Drills and coaching sessions
- A game of Walking Football
- A warm down
- A get together with tea and coffee
Based at Pitreavie Sport & Soccer Centre and Starks Park, The Walking Football project provides fun, inclusive and low-impact walking football sessions and social engagement activities for people living with Parkinson`s to improve their social, physical and mental health.
Carers and family members are welcome to stay and enjoy a cup of tea and a chat with others from the programme.
Sessions start Thursday 2nd May, 10.30 am-12pm and are free to attend, with the first session based at Pitreavie Sports and Soccer Centre (astro turf)
To find out more information contact stewart@parsfoundation.co.uk or jj.henderson@raithrovers.net or call 01383 745901.
Today we celebrate 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗻’𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 and give thanks to all the players with Parkinson’s who take part in sessions across the country.
Through our new partnership with Parkinson's UK we look forward in growing our game with more opportunities for people with Parkinson’s to take part and we will have further exciting news very soon.
If you have Parkinson’s or you know someone who does, check out this video from one of our clubs, Glasgow Life who launched their session in partnership with Celtic FC Foundation last year and the impact it can have on those whom attend - https://youtu.be/R_S3prYWDa4?si=IV6eaT9Dhl9YYkTm
Our Over 60’s Walking Footballers in the East of the country kicked off their competitive league action today at Oriam National Performance Centre.
14 teams split over 2 divisions travelled through to the capital and its Dundee East CSC who top the Premiership and Stenhousemuir 95’ the Championship, respectively after Round 1’s fixtures.
We thank all players, referees, regional reps and venue staff for their support and look forward in welcoming you all back for Round 2 on 13th June.
Photographs - photosbyphild.com
We’re keeping up with our monthly spotlight on Walking Football Scotland Players of the Month in partnership with CHSS.
For March the Walking Football Scotland Women’s Player of the Month is Kath Kimmet! Kath, 62, plays with Giffnock and Drumchapel United FC.
Walking Football Scotland Men’s Player of the Month is Kenny! Kenny, 63, plays with Glasgow Life.
Congratulations Kath and Kenny! They shared their reflections on what Walking Football means to them.
Kath: “It allows me to continue my participation in football, when I thought my playing days were behind me. I wanted to increase my fitness levels to help my body cope with the symptoms of Parkinsons Disease.”
Kenny: “I got involved in walking football in the first instance because it’s the sport I’ve always been in involved in as a player, coach and manager through the years. When you get to a certain age you realise that opportunities to play become less and less. However, when the opportunity arose to be able to play the game with people of my age group, it was like a new lease of life.”
Kath: “It has improved my mental and physical wellbeing. The social aspect of taking up the sport has proved to be as, if not more, important than the fitness benefits.”
Kenny: “I’ve been playing walking football for around a decade now and have experienced numerous advantages. The health and social benefits have undeniably been beneficial. My participation in walking football provided me with a unique opportunity and blend of regular exercise, competition and social interaction which was a significant factor in my recovery from a heart attack. The various intensity levels ranging from low to high intensity were instrumental in my recovery to full fitness.”
What would you say to encourage others to come along?
Kath: “Whether or not you have played football before is irrelevant. The emphasis at all sessions is placed on the the physical and mental health benefits and the importance of creating a comfortable environment where all are welcome.”
Kenny: “The benefits of walking football vary for everyone. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach; it’s entirely inclusive. From both health and social perspectives, the advantages are substantial. I highly recommend giving it a try, there’s no reason not to.”
We have to announce that for our WFS Scottish Cup & Festival 2024, we are now FULL and unable to take any further entries.
The event sponsored again by charity partners, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland will see 12 additional teams being added to last year’s record breaking numbers for a total of 90 teams taking part this year.
We say a massive thank you to all clubs whom have entered and more details on the day itself will be out soon as well as payment deadlines and then date for the live draw conducted at Hamden Park.
Please note - Any team who wishes to be added to waiting list for any particular age category can do so by contacting competition@walkingfootballscotland.org
Our Over 60’s Walking Footballers in the East of the country kick off their competitive league action on Thursday 28th March at Oriam National Performance Centre with a new Premiership and Championship structure for 2024 including promotion and relegation.
2 year champions, Hearts 98’ will be looking for further success however no doubt this will once again be a very competitive season.
14 teams will take part with 7 teams in the Premiership and 7 teams in the Championship and this year we are delighted to welcome additional clubs from Stenhousmuir and Oriam.
We wish teams all the very best for the upcoming season and look forward in seeing you on Thursday.
Walking Football hit the ITV Borders News as they visited Annan Athletic as they hosted a 6 team Spring 2024 Tournament on Wednesday 20th March with the hosts, Saint Kirkcudbright and Stranraer taking part, the latter coming out on top.
Our new CHSS bibs have been getting about around the country too with Dundee East, John Sutton Community Club, Morton FC, Motherwell FC CT and Whitletts Vics Ladies all gratefully benefiting from our charity partners.
If you have a story to tell, get in touch with us to share your walking football news.
annan athletic festival
john sutton cc
morton fc
motherwell fc ct
dundee east
whitletts vics
Walking Football Scotland are delighted to officially announce our long awaited partnership with Hampden Sports Clinic.
This partnership will give the opportunity of all players from our 150 affiliated members across Scotland, given access to the clinic’s facilities and professional assistance where necessary from their specialist team.
WFS Trustee Matt Ramsay and newly appointed patron Gordon Smith were on hand alongside the highly respected, Chief Executive Dr John McLean from Hampden Sports Clinic to announce the partnership.
Dr John McLean said: “Hampden Sports Clinic are delighted to be official partners of the Walking Football Scotland. Our team of physio’s, podiatrists and sports masseurs will be here whenever we are needed to help with any niggles and to get the players fit so they can keep playing their version of the game we all know and love so much.”
This has been echoed by WFS President Kenny McLean saying:
"It is with great pleasure that we are able to announce this unique opportunity for all of our affiliated clubs to benefit from the services of the leading sports injury and rehabilitation centre in the country. As older adults, we want to enjoy playing the slower version of the beautiful game as much as we can, but as a result we feel the niggles more & more, so having discounted access to Hampden Sports Clinic is a massive benefit and one that I know I shall be making good use of."
We look forward in working with the clinic to ensure players will be able to play longer and continue to enjoy the game we all love.
Photos - photosbyphild.com
We are delighted to announce that former footballer, Gordon Smith has become patron of Walking Football Scotland.
Gordon, a huge supporter of Walking Football, joins Rose Reilly in helping to promote the game and will be a true ambassador of Walking Football here in Scotland and beyond.
Gordon has a wealth of football experience having played professionally, coached and worked as a football agent before stints as chief executive of the Scottish FA and director of football of Rangers Football Club.
Talking on becoming Patron, Gordon said: “I’m delighted to become patron of Walking Football Scotland. It’s been a great initiative bringing key facets back into people’s lives that are lost when you stop playing standard football due to your age and fitness.
Walking football gives us again, camaraderie with teammates, competitiveness and the enjoyment of taking part in a football match. Walking football can be enjoyed for many years by a great number of people as age is no longer a barrier to participation.”
WFS President Kenny McLean welcomes Gordon sharing: “I am delighted that we have secured the services of Gordon Smith as Walking Football Scotland’s patron.
Gordon has been a formidable figure throughout his illustrious career and it is wonderful that we have another football legend to support and promote the wellbeing aspects of participation in walking football.”
Our Over 70’s West of Scotland Premiership kicked off today at Toryglen Regional Football Centre and after round one, Ayr Utd top the league.
With growth in amount of teams participating in this age category this year, we were able to split regionally and it was great to welcome the 9 teams to Glasgow.
‘The Honest Men’ had an impressive start with 4 straight victories and find themselves 4 points clear of last year’s league winners, North Lanarkshire Council.
We thank all players and clubs for participating today and we look forward in welcoming you back on 8th May.
Photos - photosbyphild.com
ayr utd
drumchapel utd
ekym
giffnock sc auld timers
morton fc
motherwell fc ct
north lanarkshire council
pollok utd
townhead strollers
Our Over 70’s East of Scotland Premiership kicked off today at Oriam National Performance Centre and after round one, Fife Wanderers top the league.
With growth in amount of teams participating in this age category this year, we were able to split regionally and it was great to welcome the 6 teams to Edinburgh.
There were a few ‘firsts’ today with final games having to be abandoned after an unplanned fire alarm but positively today we wecolmed our first female referee, Karin McKenny to competitive action and congratulate her making history for walking football in Scotland.
Karin attended our Referee Workshop at the start of the year, off the back of passing her Scottish FA referee qualification, and we were delighted to welcome her as one of our referees today for the first time.
We thank all players and clubs for their cooperation today with unforeseen events and look forward in welcoming you back on 10th May.
Walking Football Scotland are delighted to share that we have appointed Drew Wilson into the voluntary role of WFS Parkinson’s Educator.
Drew has a wealth of experience working with people with Parkinson’s both on and off the pitch and we are delighted that he has accepted this role that will see him train others to support the delivery of our new Parkinson’s WF sessions across the country in partnership with Parkinson’s UK.
We recently sat down with Drew to learn a little bit more about the programme and his experiences.
What was it that encouraged you to get involved with working with people with Parkinson’s?
“My Mother had Parkinson’s and I always felt there was more we could have done as a family to help her. After I retired I started playing Walking Football in Glasgow and saw first-hand the difference we could make to player’s lives as they recovered from strokes, cancer, and heart conditions. I saw how players improved their mental health through teamwork and the social interaction that ‘being back in the changing room’ provided and I wondered if we could apply this to players living with Parkinson’s.
I approached Glasgow Life with an idea and received the support to approach Parkinson’s (UK) Scotland. We formed a joint pilot programme to determine if Walking Football was suitable for players with Parkinson’s and through that 10 week pilot, it very much proved the case. The results were remarkable! Since then our game and weekly sessions have expanded significantly with the help of the Celtic FC Foundation.
Around the same time, Professor Bas Blom a leading researcher in the Parkinson’s world, published a paper suggesting that amongst other benefits, 150 minutes of exercise a week may slow the advancement of Parkinson’s Disease.”
You have been delivering these sessions with Glasgow Life and The Celtic Foundation over the last number of years - what have you learned along the way?
“Trust!
In developing this programme, it is important to have a team around you which is well informed and aware of Parkinson’s Disease. In Glasgow we have the same group of Coaches and volunteer helpers that worked on the pilot in 2021.
We have access to specialist NHS Physio’s who advise as we need it and this has enabled the team to earn the trust of the players.
There are over 40 main symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease and through our new WFS Parkinson’s Workshop every new coach will work through a training pathway consisting of a Parkinson’s Active online course introducing the condition and how to work with players with Parkinson’s. Then a WFS Practical workshop based upon our delivery experiences and then Parkinson’s (UK) will provide access to Physio support to any new start up.
This package will enable Coaches to gain trust through being informed and providing a simple safe and fun environment for the players.”
Why should people with Parkinson’s get involved with our Walking Football programme?
“Players with Parkinson’s should know that every coach they encounter will have completed the WFS Parkinson’s Education Workshop. The course will equip the coach to understand the condition within the context of Walking Football and the session will be designed to address; Communication, Spatial Awareness, Fitness Conditioning, Balance and Cognitive Decline. All in a safe and fun environment for the player.
We now know that exercise is a contributing factor in managing symptoms and if this truly is the case then ‘WE CAN BEAT IT!’ by giving scientists time to deliver .”
What is your vision for Parkinson’s Walking Football in Scotland?
“Via this Walking Football Scotland and Parkinson’s (UK) Scotland partnership my objective is to get our game into every corner of the country.
In addition to the Glasgow, we currently have a session underway in Aberdeen, and we will soon see the next sessions in Dundee in Fife. Once these projects are underway we will explore partnerships with clubs in other areas who are keen to make a difference in the lives of people living with Parkinson’s. It is an exciting time!
Photos - photosbyphild.com
drew wilson, rose reilly mbe, amanda mckay (parkinson’s uk)
drew wilson, parkinson’s uk brian carson & amanda mckay, matt ramsay
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