CHSS Tartan Teapot Trophy 2024

This week we have been delighted to take part in the inaugural CHSS Tartan Teapot Trophy which was held in Oriam National Performance Centre.

The event supported by The Scottish Government, welcomed SNP MSP Maree Todd (Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport) and Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay provided both charities an opportunity to share the good work between our partnership with CHSS and the impact that Walking Football can have on the lives of those who take part.

8 teams including organisers CHSS and ourselves as well as; Active Scotland, Midlothian Ladies, Midlothian Marauders, Linlithgow Rose and 2 Oriam teams took part for a morning of fun and walking football.

Our WFS team made up of our 5 Trustees (Kenny McLean, David Hyland, Gordon McAllister, Martin Jack and Matt Ramsay), Patron Gordon Smith and Regional Rep Claire McCosh were victorious in their group before seeing off Oriam in the Semi Final.

Patron and our Captain for the day, Gordon Smith was delighted to pick up the trophy for winners, WFS as we defeated Active Scotland in the final on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

We hope this may become an annual event with our charity partners and look forward to continue to grow our partnership.

For more photos by WFS Photographer Phil Dawson click here

walking football scotland

gordon smith, simon reilly (referee), maree todd

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linlithgow rose cfc

midlothian ladies

midlothian

oriam

oriam

active scotland

champions!

Club News

In the North of the country, Aberdeen Strikers continue to do good work in their local community, where recently they were assisting the Aberdeen Community Trust in Culter Primary School’s development and leadership skills for children with a walking football session.

Our Regional Teams Trials have been continuing recently with West 65’s & 70’s as well as North East 65’s Managers and Assistants casting their eyes over those players hoping to be selected.

It is great to see clubs with real community spirit and Drumchapel Utd have been prevalent with this as they displayed ‘football for all’ at recent Kids Holiday Camps where both kids and walking footballers mixed as part of the clubs vision of ‘One Club, One Community’.

Regional Rep, Claire McCosh has been out and about recently and enjoyed a visit to Motherwell FC CT as she supported their women’s session as it continues to develop at Fir Park.

In the Borders, Gala Fairydean Rovers were hosting and were victorious in the inaugural Hugh Nicolson Trophy, after 7 teams competed at a sunny Netherdale.

And finally, we were delighted to support the recent ‘Walk for Parkinson’s’ which took place at Chatelherault Country Park where over 200 people gathered. WFS Parkinson’s Educator, Drew Wilson was on hand offering support and raising awareness of our Parkinson’s programme and we hope we will see more people across the country continue to get involved at their local sessions.

gala fairydean rovers

aberdeen strikers

drumchapel utd

north east regional trails

west 65’s regional trials

motherwell fc ct ladies

parkinson’s walk

WFS O65's East Premiership

The O65’s East Premiership returned to Oriam National Performance Centre for Round 3 of matches on Monday 3rd June.

It’s all change at the top with a very good day for Alloa Athletic winning all their games, putting them top, 3 points ahead of Linlithgow Rose CFC.

We thank all teams, referees, regional reps and players for their support today and we look forward in welcoming you back for the second half of the season, on Monday 19th August.

WFS O60's West Premiership & Championship

The O60’s West Premiership and Championship returned to Toryglen Regional Football Centre for Round 2 of matches as we finish the first half of the season.

It’s all change at the top of the Premiership where North Lanarkshire Council move 1 point ahead however only 3 points now separate the top 5 teams after mixed results for all challengers.

In the Championship, a very good day for Drumchapel Utd - JN Electrics have put them out in front, 5 points ahead of the rest, after wins against Drumchapel Utd, Giffnock SC Auld Timers and Gretna 2008.

We thank all teams and referees for their support today and look forward in welcoming you all back on Wednesday 4th September.

Player of the Month (May) - Owen Kelly & Susan Ramsay

We’re keeping up with our monthly spotlight on Walking Football Scotland Players of the Month in partnership with CHSS.

For May the Walking Football Scotland Women’s Player of the Month is Susan Ramsay! Susan, 58, plays with the R FFIT.

Walking Football Scotland Men’s Player of the Month is Owen Kelly! Owen, 66, plays with Stenhousemuir.

Congratulations Susan and Owen! They shared their reflections on what Walking Football means to them.

Why did you get involved in walking football?

Susan: “I was introduced to walking football after taking part in SPFL Trust, Rangers Football Fans In Training. This encouraged me to become more active and resulted in  me becoming involved in wider aspects of health, fitness and well-being.”

Owen: “I have played football all my life and it’s always been a major passion. Following a heart attack at the age of 58, I cut down on playing 5-a-sides and played more golf and went cycling. After a few years, friends that I used to play football with suggested I tried walking football, and although very sceptical, I decided to take the plunge and have never regretted it!”

What positive impact has walking football had on your life?

Susan: “I initially went along to support and encourage a friend; I had never played football prior to walking football. However, being involved in walking football has been so beneficial. It has been very rewarding and has improved my mental and physical health. I have met people from varied backgrounds, many of them have become good friends.”

Owen: “As well as aiding my physical and mental health in numerous ways, walking football has also rekindled my love of playing football and the adrenaline rush competing. This is finely balanced with the fact that many opponents from all parts of Scotland and beyond have become firm friends which simply adds to the enjoyment of competing in leagues and cup competitions.”

What would you say to encourage others to come along?

Susan: “Come along and get involved. It might amaze you just how rewarding and enjoyable it can be.

There are players with a wide range of abilities, however, no matter what level you play at, it is hugely enjoyable for everyone. All of us look forward to playing and meeting up. We also meet up afterwards and have a cuppa, a chat and a laugh. The numbers who participate is increasing week by week. Therefore, in my view anyone who is thinking about joining us should take the plunge. I’m sure they won’t regret it.”

Owen: “Walking football is still the beautiful game and all the joy, fun and competitive spirit are inherent in it. The camaraderie, the mental, physical, and social health benefits, and the genuine sense of being part of a whole community are tangible and become a vital part of your life at an age when they arguably matter more than ever. Whether you’ve played the game to a decent level or not, matters not a whit, and the friends you make will broaden your horizons for evermore.”

WFS O60's East Premiership & Championship

The O60’s East Premiership and Championship returns to Oriam National Performance Centre for Round 2 of matches on Thursday 13th June.

Dundee East had an impressive start to the season with 3 wins and have a top of table clash as they take on Linlithgow Rose in the Premiership whereas in the Championship, Stenhousemuir 95’ will be looking to remain unbeaten again after an impressive start too in Round 1.

We wish all teams all the very best.

WFS O65's East Premiership

The O65’s East Premiership returns to Oriam National Performance Centre for Round 3 of matches on Monday 3rd June.

Only 4 points separate the top 5 teams so we are sure to be in for an exciting day of league action on Monday as we wait to discover who will come out on top later that day.

We wish all teams all the very best.

CHSS FUNDRAISING EVENT

ZIP SLIDE THE CLYDE 2024

As part of our support to charity partners and Scottish Cup & Festival sponsors, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, we will once again be fundraising and asking clubs to support CHSS.

Last year, we collaboratively raised over £10k for CHSS and after the financial support of CHSS sponsoring our WFS Scottish Cup, its now our turn to support them and we hope fellow walking footballers across the country will dig deep and support such a well worth cause in helping to ensure that 'No Life Is Half Lived!'.

This year, Trustee Matt Ramsay will be taking on an exhilarating challenge as he ziplines from a crane next to the iconic Glasgow Riverside Museum, soaring 100ft high and glide 1245ft along the Clyde!

We have created a justgiving page where you can support us raising those funds for CHSS and can donate by clicking on the link here.

Thank you in advance for your support!

WFS O60's West Premiership & Championship

The O60’s West Premiership and Championship returns to Toryglen Regional Football Centre for Round 2 of matches on Thursday 30th May.

We have top of the table clashes with Glasgow Life taking on both North Lanarkshire Council and Townhead Strollers and then in the Championship there is Gretna 2008 against Drumchapel Utd as well as both Drumchapel teams competing against each other too.

We wish all teams all the very best.

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Club News

This past week has seen various clubs have the opportunity to ‘Play on the Pitch’ with Hearts Motherwell FC CT, and 2 of the Glasgow Life Parkinson’s players took part at Celtic Park too.

Regional Reps Ian Duncan and Mike Cranston enjoyed a visit to one of their clubs to the see the progress and developments of Blairgowrie & Rattray.

Saint Cuthbert Wanderers were hosting an event in Kirkudbright as they took on Annan Athletic and our Regional Team Managers and Assistants have been busy arranging trials and this has been seen the South East of the country this past week with O65’s trialling out at Oriam, as well as the South West 50’s Regional Team taking on the South West 60’s team for their first workout.

And finally, the Townhead Strollers welcomed a familiar face as journalist Bill Leckie attended their session for a kick-a-bout as well as sharing in a talk about Mental Health.

Well done all and keep enjoying what you do!

hearts

motherwell fc ct

celtic fc foundation - parkinsons

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south west regional 60’s

south east o65’s trials

townhead strollers

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WFS SCOTTISH CUP & FESTIVAL 2024 - DRAW CONFIRMED

The draw for the WFS Scottish Cup & Festival sponsored by Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, took place today at Hampden Park.

The draw was hosted by Trustee Matt Ramsay, and supported and carried out by WFS President Kenny McLean, Patron Gordon Smith and CHSS Director of Services Joanne Graham.

To go back and watch any of the draws on our YouTube channel, please see links below:

• Over 50’s - https://youtu.be/ZH-THOr_yMQ

• Over 60’s - https://youtu.be/DOguX1QjEnA

• Over 65’s - https://youtu.be/rOpTaRWNvv8

• Over 70’s - https://youtu.be/TUTvBCCHx6I

• Over 40’s Women’s - https://youtu.be/WCUiXH466G8

Since the draw there have been a few withdrawals but changes are as follows:

• Over 50’s - Falkirk Foundation replaced by Braehead FC

• Over 65’s - Annan Athletic replaced by TBC

• Festival - Falkirk Foundation replaced by Fort William

• Over 50’s Women’s - Rossvale replaced by R FFIT

We thank videographer Chris Burt for his technical support for the draw and look forward in welcoming you all to the biggest 1 day walking football event in the world on 22nd June.

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WFS SCOTTISH CUP & FESTIVAL 2024 - DRAW DETAILS

Ahead of tomorrow’s draw for the WFS Scottish Cup & Festival sponsored by Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, please find below the desired links so that you can subscribe and watch the draw direct on our YouTube channel, from Hampden Park.

• Over 50’s - https://youtu.be/ZH-THOr_yMQ

• Over 60’s - https://youtu.be/DOguX1QjEnA

• Over 65’s - https://youtu.be/rOpTaRWNvv8

• Over 70’s - https://youtu.be/TUTvBCCHx6I

• Over 40’s Women’s - https://youtu.be/WCUiXH466G8

Please note that there is no draw for the O50’s Women’s Scottish Cup or Festival.

All the very best!

Regional Managers - Vacancies

Walking Football Scotland support a number of initiatives in enabling to support the opportunity to grow our game and this includes the formation of WFS Regional Teams.

These teams are formed through selection process from each Region’s Manager and Assistant and compete in friendlies against other local clubs as well as an annual Regional League Cup against other WFS Regional Teams.

Currently out of all the Regional teams available we have 26 out of 29 Managers confirmed and therefore we are reaching out to see if anyone would feel they would be suitable to take on the voluntary role of Regional Manager for the following areas:

• Over 50’s North

• Over 60’s South East

• Over 65’s North East

If you wish to be considered and willing to get involved please contact matt@walkingfootballscotland.org and we provide more information.

Club News

This week has been no different from the usual busy times all our clubs have but one with more opportunities to get our game out there.

This week we have been delighted to speak at a special presentation highlighting the impact of walking football on those with arthritis at the Versus Arthritis campaign. Hearing inspiring stories from organisers and participants on their journey in the game as we also continue to look at ways to promote and develop Walking Football.

Ayr Utd walking footballers enjoyed the opportunity to play at Somerset Park and we are always grateful to clubs recognising the hard work our walking footballers and organisers do on a weekly basis.

KA Leisure ventured over to European climes for their first trip abroad where Carnoustie Panmure also enjoyed walking football in the Portugal sun, but it was EK Gerihatricks who were victorious in Spain coming home champions!

Our Regional Team Managers and Assistant have been busy arranging trials and this has been seen the West of the country this past week with O60’s trialling out at Nethercraigs, Pollok. There was success in Morecambe as Pollok Utd were victorious bringing the shield back home to Scotland.

And finally, closer to home it has been great to see the work and development of the John Sutton Community Club as they work closely with BrainKind for their ‘Get Moving in May’ campaign using walking football as a tool to do just that as well as supporting Rehab.

Well done all and keep enjoying what you do!

ayr utd

ka leisure

west 60’s regional trials

WFS SCOTTISH CUP & FESTIVAL 2024 - DRAW!

We are delighted to share that the draw for our Scottish Cup and Festival 2024 to be played on Saturday 22nd June, sponsored by 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁, 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 & 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗸𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 will take place from Hampden Park this Friday 17th May.

The draw will be available to be viewed from our YouTube channel and we will share the links for each livestream.

Categories for the draw 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 look forward in you joining us on Friday from Hampden Park where the draw will be made by Patron Gordon Smith and CHSS Director of Service Joanne Graham. Please see below the numbers to look out for and we wish teams all the very best for an exciting draw for the biggest 1 day walking football event in the world!