O65's EAST PREMIERSHIP

Back to league action for the East O65’s Premiership and its all change at the top with Linlithgow Rose CFC now leading the way.

After a good day of walking football and great sportsmanship on show all afternoon, points were dropped by previous leaders Alloa Athletic and Stenhousemuir that now sees Linlithgow Rose top of the pile.

We say a big thank you to Regional Reps for their support today and we look forward in welcoming clubs back for Round 3 on Monday 3rd June.

O50’s East Premiership & Championship

Our Over 50’s in the East of the country recommenced their respective leagues at the RPC Dundee today.

It’s all change at the top of the Premiership with Hearts moving top with Raith Rovers now second.

In the Championship, it’s even tighter at the top with Carnoustie Panmure only 1 goal ahead on goal difference from Forfar1298.

We are back in the East tomorrow as it’s the turn of the Over 65’s to recommence their league action at Oriam - fixtures can be found on earlier news on our website.

Dunbar Walking Football - Hampden Park Visit

Through the support of our partnership with Scottish Football Museum and Football Memories Scotland, saw Dunbar WFC visit our National Stadium on Wednesday for a tour of Hampden Park and Museum.

Dunbar, led by Regional Rep, Richard Gdulewicz, have seen growth in the club over the last number of years and they also welcomed players from Oriam and Hearts with Regional Rep David Barr, for their visit to Hampden Park.

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.orgm

O50's EAST PREMIERSHIP & CHAMPIONSHIP

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!

Club News

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

Parkinson's Partnership - Pars Foundation & Raith Rovers Community Foundation

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.

World Parkinson’s Day

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

O60's EAST PREMIERSHIP & CHAMPIONSHIP

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

Player of the Month (March) - Kenny McLeod & Kath Kimmet

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.

Why did you get involved in walking football?

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.”

What positive impact has walking football had on your 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.”

WFS SCOTTISH CUP & FESTIVAL 2024 - UPDATE!

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

WFS O60's East Premiership & Championship

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.

Club News

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

Partnership Announcement - Hampden Sports Clinic

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