Player of the Month (July) - Elizabeth Wallace & Gordon Smith

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

For July the Walking Football Scotland Women’s Player of the Month is Elizabeth Wallace! Elizabeth, 64, plays with Rangers FFIT.

Walking Football Scotland Men’s Player of the Month is Gordon Smith! Gordon, 56, plays with Forfar.

Congratulations Gordon and Elizabeth! They shared their reflections on what walking football means to them.

Why did you get involved in walking football?

Elizabeth: “My friend asked me to go with her to a walking football  session she had seen advertised and from the moment I stepped onto the park to play I loved it , I couldn’t wait to go back the following week .i played football when I was younger and now that my family were grown up I had time to spare. At first it was just training sessions then we joined the Walking Football Scotland league and also played in cup tournaments winning the Scottish Cup in our first year.”

Gordon: “Latterly my body couldn’t keep up or recover quickly from  five a sides but wanted to keep going with some sort of football. A couple of my friends had already started playing and encouraged me to try it. I played a couple of sessions, loved it and have never looked back. 

I have always played at a competitive level and walking football allows you to take the game as serious or as leisurely as you like.”

What positive impact has walking football had on your life?

Elizabeth: “Walking football has helped me through a difficult time in my life and I can’t thank the people involved enough.I feel a lot fitter and healthier through training and playing walking football and the social side of it is great. I  have met up with old friends and made many new friends ,it really has made a positive impact in my life.”

Gordon: “Walking football has allowed me to keep active and prolong my fitness and at the same time de-stressing from work life. I’ve met a lot of new people and created new friends just through taking part in walking football events all over Scotland, England and abroad. ”

What would you say to encourage others to come along?

Elizabeth: “I would say what are you waiting for? Find a team in your area and give it a try. You will not regret it. You will feel better physically, mentally and socially.”

Gordon: “I would thoroughly recommend anyone who is thinking of it or dubious about “walking” football to give it a go. There are local clubs all over Scotland now who are open to letting anyone, male or female having a go. Whether you think you were like Ronaldo back in the day or have 2 left feet there is a place in walking football for you.”

Club News - July

WALKING FOOTBALL NEWS ROUND-UP: CELEBRATION, GROWTH AND COMMUNITY ACROSS SCOTLAND AND BEYOND

Ashley Pedersen Laces Up for Walking Football Debut in Glasgow

Scottish Para Football CEO Ashley Pedersen experienced her first taste of walking football as she joined players at a vibrant Glasgow Life session in partnership with Pollok United at Dennis Donnelly Park. The visit came shortly after her appearance on Simon McLean's Talking Walking Football radio show on Sunny G, where Ashley spoke passionately about her role for Para Football. Delighted to accept the invite, she shared how much she enjoyed taking part and highlighted the positive impact walking football has on participants week after week.

Ashley’s visit also comes as excitement builds for the inaugural Para Football Gala Dinner, a landmark event celebrating the power of the para-game in Scotland. Tickets are now on sale here for what promises to be an evening of inspirational stories, incredible prizes, great company, and awards—all in support of growing para-football.

Glasgow Cup 2025: A Showcase of Experience, Passion and Talent

Toryglen played host to the ever-popular annual Glasgow Cup throughout July, with a packed programme of five competitive events: Men's Over-50s, Over-65s and Over-70s, and Women’s Over-40s and Over-50s. Nearly 700 players from 69 teams came together in a brilliant celebration of the sport.

Congratulations to this year’s winners:

• Men’s O50s – Northern Spartans

• Men’s O65s & O70s – Alloa Athletic

• O65s Challenge Plate – Motherwell FC CT

• Women’s O40s – Linlithgow Rose CFC

• Women’s O50s – Braehead FC

A special mention goes to Oriam Ladies, who played their very first match during the event – a clear sign that the game continues to grow in reach and appeal. Hats off to Glasgow Life for once again delivering a successful and inclusive tournament with Men’s O60’s event still to follow on 8th August.

Rangers Represent at ‘Unity is Strength’ Event in Liverpool

The Rangers Charity Foundation proudly stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Rangers FC at the deeply moving ‘Unity is Strength’ event hosted by the Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance and LFC Foundation. The event, held at Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre, brought together walking football teams from across the UK to honour the memory of football tragedies, promote unity, and celebrate the sport's unifying power. In a beautiful bonus, Rangers’ Walking Football team returned home as tournament champions.

Drumchapel Utd Enjoy Memorable Visit to Newcastle FC Foundation Tournament

Drumchapel United were honoured to participate in the Newcastle FC Foundation Invitational Tournament, enjoying not just the on-field action but the warm hospitality and camaraderie that define the walking football community. It was a memorable trip packed with spirited play and great connections across the game.

Motherwell FC CT Host Friendly at Fir Park

A wonderful afternoon of football and friendship was enjoyed as Morton in the Community visited Fir Park Training Centre for a friendly walking football match hosted by Motherwell FC. Following the match, all players were invited to attend the senior fixture between Motherwell FC and Greenock Morton FC, making for a fantastic day of football at all levels.

JTR Fitting Backing Women's Walking Football

Support continues to grow for women’s walking football as JTR Fitting proudly confirmed their sponsorship of reigning league and Scottish Cup champions Braehead FC. The company expressed their pride in supporting a sport that encourages active lifestyles, connection, and empowerment among women across Scotland.

Welcome to Bathgate Thistle Community FC

Growth remains the headline of the walking football story as Bathgate Thistle Community FC becomes the latest club to affiliate with the sport. Regional representatives David Callaghan and Jenny Hammond were thrilled to meet players and organisers at the club, helping to further support walking football’s expansion in the region.

⚽💙 From grassroots to glory, walking football continues to unite communities, promote wellbeing, and prove that age is no barrier to the beautiful game.

Regional Reps - Vacancies

Join the Team: Volunteer Regional Representatives Wanted at Walking Football Scotland

Walking Football Scotland (WFS) is expanding and we need passionate, community-minded individuals to help us grow the game across the country.

We’re currently recruiting Volunteer Regional Representatives to support our mission of promoting health, wellbeing, and social inclusion through walking football. If you love the game, value community spirit, and want to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you with vacancies in the following areas:

• Aberdeenshire

• Argyll & Bute

• Falkirk & Stirling

• Fife

• Islands

• Moray

• North Lanarkshire

• South Lanarkshire

• West Dunbartonshire

What is a Regional Rep?

As a Regional Rep, you’ll be the friendly face of Walking Football Scotland in your local area. Working alongside clubs, venues, and with the support of WFS, your role will include:

• Supporting and encouraging local walking football groups

• WFS point of contact for local clubs

• Acting as a communication link between clubs and WFS

• Promoting WFS aims and objectives

This is a voluntary role, perfect for someone who wants to give back to their community while staying active and connected.

Who Are We Looking For?

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. You might be:

• A current walking football player or coach

• A retired sportsperson or community volunteer

• Someone with a passion for health, wellbeing, or sport development

No formal qualifications are needed — just enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to support others.

What’s In It for You?

• Be part of a growing national movement that’s changing lives

• Meet new people and build strong community connections

• Help shape the future of walking football in Scotland

• Receive full support and guidance from the WFS team

How to Apply

If you're interested, please email matt@walkingfootballscotland.org with a short note about yourself and why you’d like to get involved. We’ll follow up with more details and next steps.

Let’s grow the game together — one step at a time.

Club News - July

Walking Football Clubs Celebrate with Tournaments, Festivals and Community Spirit

Walking Football continues to thrive across Scotland, bringing players together not just for the love of the game, but to support great causes and build lasting friendships. Recent events showcased this brilliantly, with clubs marking anniversaries, honouring local heroes, and enjoying festivals of football.

Parkinson's Walking Football ⬇️

Stirling Albion’s Parkinson's WF participants had the opportunity to take on some of their regular WF participants this week at Forthbank.

A huge well done to all for your continuous support which is much appreciated and showing that there’s no barriers to participation!

Oriam Walking Football Club – 10th Anniversary Invitational

On 24 June, Oriam Walking Football Club hosted an Invitational Tournament to celebrate their 10th anniversary at Oriam, Scotland’s National Performance Centre.

The event, proudly sponsored by Scott Coppola Electrical Distributors, supported Oriam WF’s chosen charity, Alzheimer Scotland.

Teams representing Hearts, Hibernian, Pollok, Dundee East, Stenhousemuir, Gala Fairydean, Dunbar WFC 2017, and Oriam took part in both Over 50 and Over 65 competitions.

A fantastic day of football ended with Pollok crowned champions in both age groups. Afterwards, players gathered in the Oriam Lounge to enjoy refreshments and social time.

Thanks to the generosity of participating teams—and contributions from Tweedvale and Dunfermline, who couldn’t attend—a brilliant total of £1,200 was raised for Alzheimer Scotland.

Paul Rendall, Chairman of Oriam Walking Football Club, said:

“Today was a great example of the power of Walking Football and the strength of the Walking Football family. We’re very grateful to all of the Clubs for helping us celebrate our anniversary year and raising funds for a charity which does so much valuable work all across Scotland.”

Oriam Walking Football Club run sessions at Oriam for women aged 40+ and men aged 50+:

• Mondays 12:30pm–1:30pm

• Wednesdays 12pm–1pm and 8:30pm–9:30pm

• Fridays 12:30pm–1:30pm

New players are welcome (first session free). Contact Deric Oliver on 07803 508401 or email dericandjoan@btinternet.com to get involved.

It’s been a busy few weeks for Pollok as they also travelled to Melton Mowbray to play in a Walking Football 60's competition where they were also victorious.

Whitletts Victoria – Walking Football for All

Meanwhile, Whitletts Victoria recently hosted their own walking football event, supported by Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.

Over 200 people took part, with no scores, trophies or medals—just the pure enjoyment of the game. The emphasis was on participation, fun, and community, highlighting what makes walking football so special.

Arbroath – The 4th George Muir Memorial Walking Football Festival

Over in the east, Arbroath were proud to host the 4th George Muir Walking Football Festival. Following George’s passing at age 83, the festival was renamed the George Muir Memorial Walking Football Festival in honour of his enormous contribution to football in the town.

The event once again drew an excellent turnout, with players travelling from across the region to celebrate the game and pay tribute to George’s legacy.

RUGBY CLUB HOST A WALKING FOOTBALL FRIENDLY

Falkirk Foundation WFC hosted a no age limit, mixed gender friendly at Grangemouth Stags Rugby Club indoor astro facility in the Old Town in Grangemouth where their first guests of the year were Stenhousemuir WFC.

Both sets of players played the games in the right spirit with calories burnt being the ultimate winner on the night. 🏃‍♂️⚽️

Falkirk Foundation plan to do a few more of these low key fun friendlies so if your club are looking to travel away and play indoors contact, Falkirk Foundation as they would be glad to meet more friends.

East Perthshire Derby Brings Clubs Together at Davie Park

It was great to see our friends from Blairgowrie & Rattray Community Football Club and Scone WFC come together for the East Perthshire derby.

A big thank you to both teams for making it such an enjoyable occasion, and to everyone involved in hosting the friendly at the wonderful Davie Park. It’s always fantastic to see local clubs building the game and community spirit together!

John Clark Memorial Cup Marks 10 Years of Walking Football at Ayr United

More than 60 players took part in the first John Clark Memorial Cup, organised by the Ayr United Football Academy Walking Football programme in conjunction with hosts Shoot Soccer in Ayr.

The event celebrated the 10th anniversary of Ayr United’s walking football programme and was named in honour of their friend and former player John Clark. It was a special moment to have John’s wife Ruth there to present the trophy and medals. Congratulations to Somerset Strollers, who came out on top after beating Parkhouse Plodders in the final, while Walking Deaders overcame Tryfield Trotters in the consolation final.

A huge thanks to all the teams who took part in a fantastic day, where the focus was as much on fun and enjoyment as on winning. Many thanks also to the walking football committee members—Andy McInnes, David Watson and George Robertson—for their hard work in organising the event and keeping everything running smoothly.

And a big thank you to Allan and his team at Shoot Soccer for looking after everyone so well and for their continued support of the Walking Football programme.

Keeping Walking Football Strong!

These events show the huge impact Walking Football continues to have—keeping people active, building friendships, and supporting causes that matter. Congratulations to all the clubs and players involved.

✅ If your club has a story, tournament or festival to share, get in touch and let us help spread the word!

WFS Board Update

Thank You to Kenny McLean and Gordon McAllister

As we mark the end of an era for WFS, we extend our deepest thanks to President Kenny McLean and Treasurer Gordon McAllister, who are now stepping down from their long-standing roles.

Both Kenny and Gordon have served WFS as dedicated volunteers, giving freely of their time, energy, and expertise over many years. Their commitment has been instrumental in shaping the success and spirit of our organisation.

Kenny became President in December 2022 and has been a steady and passionate leader, guiding WFS with vision, integrity, and unwavering dedication. Under his stewardship, we have seen partnerships formed with charity partners such as Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, as well as our ongoing collaboration with Parkinson’s UK. His leadership has helped the organisation grow stronger and more connected to the community.

Kenny said:

“After much reflection, I’ve made the incredibly difficult decision to hang up my boots and step down from my role as President and Trustee of Walking Football Scotland.

The past four years have been nothing short of extraordinary, filled with unforgettable moments, meaningful milestones and a deep sense of pride in what we’ve achieved together.

It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside such dedicated, passionate, and professional individuals who have consistently put the aims, objectives & ethos of Walking Football Scotland at the heart of everything we do. Their unwavering commitment to promoting the physical, mental and social benefits of walking football has been truly inspiring.

To every trustee I’ve had the honour of working with, I hold you in the highest regard. Your guidance, support and friendship have meant the world to me and I’m genuinely grateful for the journey we’ve shared.

While I’m stepping away from my official role, my admiration and support for Walking Football Scotland remains as strong as ever.”

Gordon, who took on the role of Treasurer in 2021, has been the backbone of our financial stability, ensuring every penny was accounted for and every decision made with care and responsibility. His tireless work behind the scenes has allowed the organisation to thrive, both on and off the pitch.

Together, their contributions will be remembered for years to come. On behalf of the entire WFS family, we thank you both for your exceptional service, your passion, and your friendship.

We wish you all the best in your next chapters — and we know you’ll always be part of the WFS family.

WFS Board of Trustees

For any matters relating to WFS, please contact Trustee Matt Ramsay at matt@walkingfootballscotland.org. For events or competition-related enquiries, please email competitions@walkingfootballscotland.org

Player of the Month (June) - Hayley Preece & Stephen Cumming

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

For June the Walking Football Scotland Women’s Player of the Month is Hayley Preece! Hayley, 41, plays with Braehead FC.

Walking Football Scotland Men’s Player of the Month is Stephen Cumming! Stephen, 61, plays with Stenhousemuir.

Congratulations Stephen and Hayley! They shared their reflections on what walking football means to them.

Why did you get involved in walking football?

Hayley: “I got involved with walking football to give myself a kick up the backside after a bit of a health scare and get back to a healthier lifestyle.

I played to a decent standard in my youth and after seeing a local advert for walking football my curiosity peaked. I haven’t looked back since.”

Stephen: “I was off work with stress & anxiety and heard that Stenhousemuir were doing a sport called walking football. I went along and stood near the goalie who filled me in on the rules and before I knew what was happening I was playing in their next session and loved the feeling of playing football again, albeit at a slower pace, which to be honest suited me. I enjoyed it that much that I retired early to perfect my skills.”

What positive impact has walking football had on your life?

Hayley: “The positive impact on my health and wellbeing has been significant. Not just through the exercise but from the long-lasting friendships I have made. I have a great team and thankful they still want me around even though I sky the ball over the crossbar several times a game!

I went back to 11 aside football for a couple of years because of walking football and my inner child was very happy indeed!”

Stephen: “It gets me out the bed in the morning and helps greatly with my mental health. I feel I have acquired more friends (who all share a similar interest) and enjoy the banter and competitiveness of our sessions whilst keeping myself fit. Who knew I would still be playing football at my age. It is a wonderful feeling.”

What would you say to encourage others to come along?

Hayley: “Regardless of size, ability, experience or fitness get yourself a long and give it ago. I have yet to meet anyone who regrets giving it a try. Lots of laughs, fun and of course some excellent walking footie to be had. As a woman and part of the LGBT community, football has never felt so inclusive.

Having osteoarthritis in my hip now and still being able to play is great. No excuses!”

Stephen: “The slower version of the game we love, gets a bit of a teasing by those still active enough to play 11s or 5 aside, but I would say, don’t knock it until you try it. If you have lost some of your speed or have underlying health issues this sport could be a life saver. Usually the first session is free, so no harm done if it’s not for you. Most people that take the first step come back for more.”

WFS O65's Men's Regional Cup - West Champions!

Today marked the final WFS Regional Event of this half of the season, hosted at the prestigious Oriam National Performance Centre, as we welcomed the Men’s Over 65s Regional Cup.

It proved to be a tremendously tight contest throughout, with an impressive standard of football on display and some truly outstanding individual and team performances. The level of competition was a credit to everyone involved, but in the end, it was the West Region who once again rose to the top.

Under the guidance of manager Eric Dunion, the West Region remained unbeaten throughout the day, showing resilience, teamwork, and consistency to retain their title and make it two-in-a-row in the O65s category.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the players, referees, regional managers and assistants for their dedication and support in making today such a success. The spirit of walking football was clear to see — respect and full of camaraderie.

Congratulations once again to the West Region on a well-earned victory! We look forward in the commencement of the new Regional Trophy events which will take place in October and November.

Club News - June

Parkinson’s Sessions Thriving Across Scotland

It’s fantastic to see the continued growth and success of Parkinson’s-specific walking football sessions across the country. KA Leisure in Ayrshire and Strikers Aberdeen have both reported rising participation numbers, highlighting the demand and positive impact of these sessions.

Strikers Aberdeen recently welcomed Amanda Mackay from Parkinson’s UK to one of their sessions, showing the growing partnership between walking football and Parkinson’s support networks. A big thank you to all involved in helping make these opportunities available and accessible.

Help for Heroes Collaboration in Inverclyde

Craig Molloy Coaching has teamed up with Help for Heroes in a powerful collaboration that brings walking football to veterans and those supported by the charity. The team recently hosted a brilliant walking football event in Inverclyde, and we’ve heard nothing but great feedback.

A huge well done to everyone involved in organising and supporting this initiative – football continues to be a fantastic way to build connection, confidence, and community.

West O65s Prepare for Regional Cup

Our West Over 65s Regional Team have been getting in some match fitness ahead of their Regional Cup campaign. They recently visited North Lanarkshire for a friendly fixture against Motherwell FC Community Trust, enjoying warm hospitality and a competitive outing.

A big thank you to Motherwell FC CT for their continued support of walking football and helping provide these valuable playing opportunities.

Close Finish in Blackpool for Scottish Sides

A couple of our clubs recently took part in the annual Blackpool walking football event, representing Scotland proudly. Among the standout performances was Linlithgow Rose, who made it all the way to the final.

Although they narrowly missed out on taking home the trophy, finishing as runners-up, it was an excellent effort and a great weekend for all involved. Congratulations to everyone who took part!

Got a Story? We Want to Hear It!

If your club has news, achievements, or events you'd like featured in our next round-up, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch and share your walking football story with us!

WFS O65's Men's Regional Squad Announcement

We are pleased to confirm the squads for the final WFS Regional Cup event of this part of the season, which will see the Men’s Over-65s teams compete this Friday at the Oriam National Performance Centre.

This event marks the conclusion of a fantastic run of regional fixtures, and we extend our congratulations to all the players selected to represent their regions. Their commitment and performances throughout the events have been outstanding.

We would also like to offer our sincere thanks to all regional managers and assistant coaches for their continued hard work and support in making these events a success.

Best of luck to all teams competing this Friday. We look forward to an excellent day of football and a fitting finale to this phase of the Regional Cup.

WFS O70's Men's Regional Cup - South West Champions!

The South West Region emerged victorious in impressive fashion at the WFS O70’s Men’s Regional Cup, held at the Toryglen Regional Football Centre today. In a day filled with competitive spirit and camaraderie, the South West team proved themselves worthy champions by winning all four of their matches.

The South West side set the standard throughout the tournament, earning praise from fellow competitors and spectators alike. Their dominance on the pitch culminated in a well-deserved medal and trophy presentation by WFS Patron Gordon Smith.

The tournament was a celebration of football for older adults, showcasing that passion for the game knows no age limit. WFS extends sincere thanks to all players for their commitment, the referees for their professionalism, and especially the Regional Managers and Assistants whose tireless efforts made the day a success.

A special congratulations goes to South West Region Manager Gordon Hyslop and matchday gaffer Jim Marshall for leading the team to a flawless victory.

Congratulations once again to the South West Region – true champions of the WFS O70’s Men’s Regional Cup 2025!

Photos - Phil Dawson

WFS O70's Men's Regional Squad Announcement

Congratulations to all the players selected to represent their regional teams in the Over 70s Men’s category at this Friday’s Regional Cup at Toryglen Regional Football Centre!

Your dedication, experience, and love for the game are a shining example of what makes walking football so special. You continue to inspire others with your commitment and performance on and off the pitch.

We’re proud to unveil the squads who’ll be pulling on the WFS shirt and competing with pride and passion. A huge well done to everyone who has earned their place—your hard work and perseverance have truly paid off.

A heartfelt thank you to all the Managers and Assistants for your tireless efforts behind the scenes. These squads wouldn’t be possible without your guidance and support.

Best of luck to all teams this Friday.
Wear the shirt with pride, savour the moment, and keep showing why Over 70s walking football is thriving across Scotland..

WFS O60's Men's Regional Cup - West Champions!

The atmosphere at Toryglen Regional Football Centre was full of spirit and camaraderie today as teams gathered for the highly anticipated Walking Football Scotland Over-60s Regional Cup. In a day packed with energy, sportsmanship, and impressive footballing skill, it was the West Region who stole the show — and the silverware.

The West region team delivered a commanding performance throughout the tournament, winning all four of their matches and remarkably not conceding a single goal. Their disciplined defence and clinical finishing proved too much for their opponents, earning them the 2025 Regional Cup title in style.

The victorious side were honoured in a special medal ceremony, where they were presented with the trophy and their medals by none other than our own WFS Patron, Rose Reilly MBE — a legend of Scottish football and a true inspiration to all involved in the game.

Walking Football Scotland express heartfelt gratitude to all the players, referees, regional managers and assistants who contributed to the smooth running and success of the event.

Congratulations to the victorious West Region, led by the experienced management duo of John Young and John Jackson.

📸 Photos by Helen Hyland

WFS O60's Men's Regional Squad Announcement

Congratulations to all the players who have been selected to represent their regional teams in the Over 60s Men’s category for this Friday’s Regional Cup at Toryglen Regional Football Centre!

Congratulations to all the players who have been selected to represent their regions—your commitment, skill, and passion for the game continues to raise the bar and inspire others.

We’re proud to unveil the squads who’ll be pulling on the WFS shirt and competing for regional pride. A huge well done to everyone who’s earned their place, your hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed!

A special thanks to all the Managers and Assistants for your incredible support, hard work, and commitment behind the scenes. These squads wouldn't come together without your efforts!

We’d like to wish all teams the very best of luck for Friday. As you represent WFS, play with pride, enjoy every minute, and continue to show why walking football is thriving in Scotland.

Parkinson's Scottish Cup 2025

Saturday marked a truly historic moment for Walking Football Scotland as we proudly hosted the inaugural Parkinson’s Scottish Cup. A day that will live long in the memory and serve as a huge milestone in the growth of the game across the country.

The creation of a dedicated tournament for players living with Parkinson’s is testament to how far we’ve come in growing and shaping the walking football landscape in Scotland. What was once a niche variation of the beautiful game has now evolved into an inclusive, supportive and empowering community, with this new category now standing proudly in its own right.

We extend our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to the three fantastic teams who took part in the competition:

• Celtic FC Foundation

• Glasgow Life

• Hibernian Community Foundation

Each team played with heart, spirit, and sportsmanship, supported passionately by friends and family lining the touchline. The encouragement and energy from the sidelines were as powerful as the performances on the pitch—and showed just how strong this community has become.

To all the participants, your passion, perseverance, and love for the game were an inspiration to everyone in attendance. You continue to show that Parkinson’s is no barrier to taking part in sport, camaraderie, and the sheer joy of playing walking football.

This event wasn’t just a competition—it was a celebration of resilience, progress, and unity. A major milestone not only for those who played on the day but for the continued development of inclusive football in Scotland.

We encourage anyone living with Parkinson’s who wants to stay active, meet others, and experience the benefits of walking football to get involved. Together working with Parkinson’s UK, we’re proud to support our clubs in providing dedicated Parkinson’s walking football sessions across the country, helping more people stay connected, active, and empowered through the game.

👉 Find your nearest session and learn more here:
https://www.walkingfootballscotland.org/parkinsons-wf

Together, we’re changing the game—for good!

WFS SCOTTISH CUP & FESTIVAL 2025

Walking Football Scotland made history once again as 92 teams and over 900 players descended on Glasgow Green Football Centre for the largest ever one-day walking football festival – the WFS Scottish Cup & Festival 2025.

Now firmly established as a landmark event in the walking football calendar, the festival brought together players from across Scotland to compete in a day of camaraderie, competition and celebration of the game.

Sponsored by our charity partners, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, this year’s event not only broke participation records, but also showcased the continued growth and diversity of walking football, with matches played across a range of age and gender categories.

We were especially delighted to welcome representation from the Scottish Government, including Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, Maree Todd MSP, whose support highlights the growing recognition of walking football as a powerful tool for improving health, wellbeing and community connection.

Special guests in attendance included former Scottish footballers, Craig Levein, Peter Grant, David Hopkin and Dougie Imrie, as well as WFS Patron and football icon Rose Reilly MBE, who helped present trophies and medals to the winning teams.

𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

• Over 40s Women’s – Braehead FC (defeated Linlithgow Rose CFC)

• Over 50s Women’s – Braehead FC

• Over 50s – Saint Anthony’s (defeated Pollok Utd)

• Over 60s – Pollok Utd (defeated Oriam)

• Over 65s – Pollok Utd (defeated Carrick WFC)

• Over 70s – Alloa Athletic (defeated Duncanrig EK)

• Parkinson’s - Glasgow Life

• Peter Collins Fair Play Award – Universal Wanderers

Trophies were awarded by SWF Chair Vivienne MacLaren, SWF CEO Aileen Campbell and our patron Rose Reilly MBE in front of a packed and enthusiastic crowd.

We welcome the first-ever Parkinson’s Scottish Cup category and we are delighted to see the game grow in this way that allows a new category being added to what was a tremendous occasion.

WFS featured live on Sky Sports today and you can view those clips here:

• Craig Levein

• Peter Grant

• Matt Ramsay

• Brian Lynn & Susan Ramsay

Walking Football Scotland would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all teams, volunteers, referees, and supporters who made the day possible, as well as our valued event partners: AlphaMed Scotland, AudioCP, Darren Catering Services, Glasgow Life, Derek Anderson, Phil Dawson, Sky Sports, SNN Sports, Uhlsport and WFS Regional Reps.

With participation continuing to grow year on year, the 2025 event has once again confirmed Scotland’s place at the heart of the global walking football movement.