WFS O65’s Men’s Regional Trophy Champions - Central!

Today marked the WFS O65’s Men’s Regional Trophy event, and it was the Central Region who claimed the title with an outstanding performance at the Toryglen Regional Football Centre.

In a day filled with competitive spirit and camaraderie, the Central team proved themselves worthy champions by winning all four of their matches.

The event was a true celebration of football for older adults, showcasing that passion for the beautiful 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 such a success.

We were also delighted to welcome former professional footballer and our new trustee, David Mackinnon, who presented the winning trophy and medals in an official WFS capacity for the first time.

A special congratulations goes to Central Region Management team, Richard Sinclair and Owen Kelly for leading the team to victory.

Photos – Phil Dawson..

Player of the Month (October) - Anne Bain & William Wilson

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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 October the Walking Football Scotland Women’s Player of the Month is Anne Bain! Anne, 63, plays with Midlothian Ladies.

Walking Football Scotland Men’s Player of the Month is William Wilson! William, 78, plays with Townhead Strollers.

Congratulations Anne and William! They shared their reflections on what walking football means to them.

Why did you get involved in walking football?

Anne: “I got into walking football because I love team sports and played 20 aside with my brothers when I was younger”

William: “I wanted to get back into a sport I enjoyed when I was younger and always kept my football boots handy, as you just never say never.”

What positive impact has walking football had on your life?

Anne: “Walking football has helped me get much fitter and healthier - I had a health scare 12 years ago (TIA) and I was put on blood pressure tablets ,statins and blood thinners. Since doing regular training I have managed to reduce my dosage and feel much fitter because of walking football.”

William: “Mixing with new people with same interest and enjoying the banter is what it’s all about. Walking Football increases my social interaction, keeps me fit and active. Two years ago my granddaughter aged 6 started playing football and there was I at 76, still playing too at my favourite place, Cumnock.”

What would you say to encourage others to come along?

Anne: “I would and do encourage others to come along. Everyone is very welcoming and encouraging and the social side after games and training is a plus. We go walks, away for tournaments abroad , celebrate holidays and high days....and most of all we support and encourage each other.”

William: “Come along and give it a go! The companionship and social side with a friendly group is brilliant!”

WFS O65's Regional Trophy Squad Announcement

We’re delighted to host the second event of our new Regional Trophy, and this time we welcome the Men’s Over 65s category to Toryglen Regional Football Centre this Friday!

Congratulations to all the players selected to represent their regional teams in the Men’s Over 65s category at this Friday’s Regional Trophy. Your dedication, experience, and passion for the game truly embody what makes walking football so special. You continue to inspire others both on and off the pitch.

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

A heartfelt thank you goes to all the Managers and Assistants for their ongoing dedication and organisation behind the scenes. These squads wouldn’t be possible without your invaluable support.

Best of luck to all teams competing this Friday at Toryglen

WFS Referee Workshop

Exciting News for Aspiring Walking Football Referees!

We’re delighted to announce the next Referee Workshop for anyone interested in becoming a Walking Football Scotland (WFS) Referee or refereeing recreationally in their own sessions.

The workshop will be delivered online via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday 25th November, by our new WFS Referee Liaison Officer, Andy Halliday, who brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the role!

📩 To secure your place, contact referee@walkingfootballscotland.org

⚠️ Please note: only Scottish FA registered referees can officiate WFS competitive football.⚠️

Don’t miss this chance to level up your refereeing skills and be part of growing walking football across Scotland!

WFS O60’s East Premiership & Championship - Alloa Athletic & North Lanarkshire Council - Champions!!

What an incredible day it was at the Oriam National Performance Centre as the WFS O60’s Men’s East Premiership and Championship reached a thrilling conclusion. With twists and turns throughout, the final league day delivered excitement right until the very last whistle.

In the Premiership, Alloa Athletic – Gold were crowned Champions, capping off a remarkable season. Alloa began the day in second place behind Dunfermline Dynamos, but after a dramatic set of results, the Dynamos endured a tough outing and ultimately missed out on Champions League qualification altogether.

It was a day of huge movement in the table, as Fife Wanderers, who started in sixth place, surged up to finish second, while Oriam 2025 claimed third spot. In contrast, Oriam 2015 and Hearts 98’ were relegated after a fiercely competitive campaign that showcased just how tight the division has been from start to finish.

Over in the Championship, North Lanarkshire Council confirmed their dominance by clinching the title in spectacular style, finishing the season unbeaten. They will be promoted to the Premiership for 2026 alongside Alloa Athletic – Black, who also impressed across the campaign.

A special thank you goes to former Hibernian FC Captain and Scotland Internationalist Ian Murray, who kindly gave his time to support the event and was on hand to present the trophy and medals to our winners.

Finally, a huge thank you to all clubs, players, referees, and regional representatives for a fantastic season of football in the East of the country. The competition, sportsmanship, and spirit on display have been outstanding throughout.

We look forward to seeing everyone return in 2026 for another brilliant season!

Photos - Phil Dawson

WFS O60's East Premiership & Championship

The WFS O60’s East Premiership and Championship reach their conclusion on Friday 24th October at the Oriam National Performance Centre, with both divisions set for a thrilling finish to the season.

In the Premiership, it’s all to play for as Dunfermline Dynamos currently lead the way, sitting one point ahead of Alloa Athletic – Gold. With only six points separating the top six teams, the title race and the battle for the top three Champions League places are finely poised. Every match will count as clubs fight to end their season on a high and secure their place among Scotland’s best.

Over in the Championship, North Lanarkshire Council are in a strong position at the top, seven points clear and favourites to lift the title. However, they face a challenging run-in, with their first three matches coming against the teams sitting in second, third, and fourth place – a stretch that could yet shake up the final standings.

It promises to be an exciting and action-packed finale at Oriam, with silverware, promotion, and Champions League qualification all on the line.

We wish all teams the very best of luck for the final day!

WFS O70’s Men’s Regional Trophy Champions - South West!

Today marked the inaugural WFS Regional Trophy event, and it was the South West Region who made it a double for 2025 with another outstanding performance!

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

The event was a true celebration of football for older adults, showcasing that passion for the beautiful 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 such a success.

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

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

Photos - Phil Dawson

WFS O70's Regional Trophy 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 Trophy 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 at Toryglen.

Regional Trophy

We’re proud to unveil our brand new Regional Trophy, proudly emblazoned with the Walking Football Scotland logo and recently shown off at our National Stadium, Hampden Park. This stunning trophy will be competed for by our Regional Teams across the country.

The action kicks off this Friday, as the Men’s Over 70s take to the pitch at Toryglen for the first event in this exciting new chapter.

A huge thank you to 1st Class Trophies and Awards for their continued support — we think everyone will agree, this trophy truly looks first class!

David Winnie Appointed President of Walking Football Scotland

David Winnie Appointed New President of Walking Football Scotland

Walking Football Scotland is delighted to announce the appointment of David Winnie as our new President.

David brings an outstanding combination of football experience, legal expertise, and leadership to the role,  qualities that will help drive the continued growth of walking football across Scotland.

A Career Built Across Football and Law

Before embarking on a successful career in law, David enjoyed a distinguished playing career in professional football, representing clubs including St Mirren, Aberdeen, Hearts and Dundee, as well as spells abroad in Iceland and Australia. He featured in major European competitions including the European Cup Winners’ Cup, UEFA Cup and Champions League, won the Scottish Cup, and represented Scotland at Under-21 level.

After hanging up his boots, David moved into management and coaching before qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales in 2009. He is now Head of Sports & Immigration at Gilson Gray LLP, advising clubs, players, agents, and governing bodies across the football pyramid, from the Premier League, Championship and League One, to international federations and elite sporting organisations.

David’s experience includes acting for clients in a wide range of arbitral and disciplinary proceedings, including at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, FA Rule K arbitration, and the disciplinary bodies of FIFA and UEFA.

He sits as a Judicial Panel member for both the Football Association and the Scottish Football Association, hearing high-profile disputes from across the men’s and women’s game, and is also a Legal Member of Sport Resolutions, the world’s leading sport-specific arbitration body handling cases spanning the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup, and many other international competitions.

Beyond sport, David also advises on business immigration and international sports visa matters, providing guidance to clubs and athletes on global mobility, sponsorship, and eligibility requirements.

Excited for the Journey Ahead

“It’s a real honour to take on the role of President of Walking Football Scotland at such an exciting time. Walking football has already changed countless lives across the country, but this is just the beginning.

“Together with our fantastic new Board, I’m determined to take the organisation to the next level, strengthening our partnerships, expanding our reach, and showcasing the incredible health and social impact this game delivers. Walking football has the power to bring people together, improve wellbeing, and keep the spirit of the game alive for life, and I can’t wait to help drive that forward.”

A Shared Vision

As President, David will act as a figurehead for Walking Football Scotland, helping to open doors and build relationships that take the organisation forward. Working closely with the Board, he will support our strategic direction, raise the profile of walking football, and strengthen partnerships across sport, health and community sectors, all while championing the game’s powerful health and wellbeing impact nationwide.

Welcome, David. We’re excited for what lies ahead!

WFS O50's East of Scotland Leagues - Forfar WF, Linlithgow Rose & Fort William Champions!

The WFS Over 50’s East of Scotland Leagues came to an exciting conclusion at the Regional Performance Centre in Dundee, with titles decided in dramatic fashion across all three divisions.

In the Premiership, Forfar were crowned champions, securing back-to-back titles after winning the Championship last season. They came close to repeating last year’s unbeaten campaign, but a single defeat to Oriam prevented a perfect record. That crucial win helped Oriam claim third place and a Champions League spot, while Arbroath – Maroon finished runners-up to take the other qualification place.

The Championship also provided plenty of excitement, with Linlithgow Rose CFC and Hibernian CF starting the day level on points at the top of the table. After a tense set of fixtures, it was Linlithgow Rose who emerged as champions, earning promotion back to the Premiership at the first time of asking. Hibernian CF joined them in promotion after a strong season of consistent performances.

In the Conference, it was the tightest finish of all, with all four teams still in contention for the title going into the final matches. In the end, it was our furthest-travelled team, Fort William, who triumphed to become Conference Champions, with Fife Wanderers finishing a close second.

We were honoured to welcome former Dundee Manager Jocky Scott, who kindly presented the trophies and medals to our winners — a fitting way to close a brilliant season.

Finally, a huge thank you to all players, clubs, referees, and regional representatives for their dedication, commitment, and support throughout the season. It’s been another fantastic year of walking football in the East of Scotland!

WFS O65’s East Premiership - Alloa Athletic Champions!

It was a fantastic end to the WFS East Premiership season today at Oriam National Performance Centre, where Alloa Athletic were crowned champions after a truly remarkable campaign.

Alloa have been outstanding throughout the season, going unbeaten on their way to lifting the title. They were pushed all the way by runners-up Heart of Midlothian, who also went unbeaten, but one extra draw meant it was Alloa who finished top to become deserving champions. Both sides will represent the East at the Champions League event, along with North Lanarkshire Council, who also enjoyed a strong season.

The champions were presented with their trophy by former Hearts captain and Scotland internationalist Christophe Berra, and we extend our sincere thanks to Christophe for his time and support at today’s event.

We would also like to thank all clubs, players, referees, and regional representatives for their fantastic commitment and contribution throughout the season. It’s been a brilliant year of football in the East — congratulations to Alloa Athletic and well done to everyone involved!

🌍 World Mental Health Day 💚

🌍 World Mental Health Day 💚
Today we celebrate the power of connection, movement, and community.

Walking Football isn’t just about the game — it’s about friendship, belonging, and wellbeing. Every pass, every laugh, every shared moment helps break isolation, boost confidence, and strengthen minds as well as bodies.

On this World Mental Health Day, let’s remember to look out for one another — reach out to someone at your club or session, have a chat, and check that they’re OK. A simple conversation can make all the difference. 💚

Sometimes the best way to support mental health starts with something simple — a walk, a chat, and a ball at your feet. ⚽💚

Scottish Women’s Football and Walking Football Scotland collaboration announced with new £5,000 fund

Scottish Women’s Football and Walking Football Scotland are delighted to announce a new collaboration to encourage more women to stay active and involved in football into later life, including a new £5,000 fund to help clubs establish new women’s Walking Football groups.

With many women’s teams already developing recreational and walking football initiatives, the new agreement will see SWF support and promote women’s Walking Football events. This collaboration is further strengthened by SWF Chair Vivienne MacLaren, who recently joined our Board of Trustees.

The announcement marks the commitment of both organisations to the theme of this year’s annual Women and Girls in Sport Week: ‘Celebrating being active’.

Commenting, SWF Chair and WFS trustee Vivienne Maclaren said: “Walking Football can be an amazing experience for women, empowering them to get active and meet new people, and I know there are women taking part in Walking Football Scotland festivals and competitions from Annan to Aberdeen. I spotted quite a few players who have retired from SWF teams involved when I attended the Cup finals in June, so I know it can get competitive too.

“Scottish Women’s Football are proud to mark Women and Girls in Sport Week by committing to support WFS’s endeavours going forward, and I am delighted to accept the position on the Board of Trustees.”

WFS Trustee Matt Ramsay said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Scottish Women’s Football to help grow and support the women’s game here in Scotland.

“Walking Football Scotland is fully committed to creating a clear pathway for women to stay in the game, ensuring they can keep playing at every stage of life. Just as importantly, this partnership is about raising participation levels across the country and encouraging more women to get involved, so they can reap the many physical, social and mental health benefits of walking football.

“To back this commitment, we have ringfenced £5,000 to launch a new funding opportunity, offering up to £500 to help new women’s groups get started, and that fund is now live! Walking Football Scotland is proud to play our part in helping the women’s game thrive and inspire future generations.”

For any club wishing to apply for funding to start their own new walking football group - you can apply here.

Images attached show Vivienne MacLaren and Matt Ramsay at Hampden to launch the initiative, joined by SWF CEO Aileen Campbell, Women’s Football legend and Walking Football Scotland Patron Rose Reilly, WFS Trustee Linsey Paton-Donaldson and Walking Footballers from Giffnock SC and Rangers FFIT.

WFS O50's West Leagues - Pollok Utd, Glenafton Athletic & WEBATA - Champions!

It was a thrilling conclusion to the season at Ravenscraig as the WFS Over 50’s West leagues wrapped up their final league day in dramatic fashion.

In the Premiership, Pollok Utd were crowned champions after a highly competitive day that saw every team at the top drop points. The title was ultimately decided in the final match, where Pollok scored a late equaliser against Saint Anthony’s – Whites, who finish as worthy runners-up. Braehead FC secured a strong third-place finish to round off an excellent campaign.

The Championship was equally tense, with Dumbarton FC and Glenafton Athletic starting the day level on points at the top. After a hard-fought set of fixtures, it was Glenafton Athletic who emerged victorious to claim the title on goal difference.

In the Conference, congratulations go to newcomers WEBATA, who impressed throughout the season and were deservedly crowned champions in their debut campaign.

A huge thank you goes to all players, clubs, regional representatives, and referees for contributing to an exciting and competitive day of football at Ravenscraig.