From honouring footballing legends and celebrating community heroes to international adventures, charity fundraising and major events, it has been another memorable period for walking football across Scotland. These stories perfectly capture the diversity of our game and the many ways clubs continue to make a positive impact both on and off the pitch.
Whether it’s remembering those who have left a lasting legacy, creating new opportunities for participation, raising vital funds for good causes or simply bringing people together through a shared love of football, the walking football community continues to go from strength to strength.
Ayrshire Walking Football Community Honours Jim Fleeting’s Legacy ❤️⚽
The Ayrshire walking football community recently came together at The Circuit for the Jim Fleeting Memorial Walking Football Festival, an event held in memory of one of Scottish football’s most respected figures organised by KA Leisure.
Originally planned as part of the build-up to the World Cup, the festival took on added significance following the sad passing of Jim Fleeting earlier this year. A giant of Ayrshire and Scottish football, Jim made an immense contribution to the game as a player, coach, educator and mentor, touching countless lives throughout his career.
Teams representing North, South and East Ayrshire took part in the festival, with clubs and players reflecting many of the areas and organisations that Jim had been associated with over the years. It was particularly fitting to see two teams from KA Leisure involved, where Jim was not only a colleague but also a friend and teammate to many.
Teams from Largs, Ayr United, Carrick Maybole, Whitletts, Stewarton and Glenafton Athletic also took part, representing communities and clubs connected to various stages of Jim’s football journey.
A special moment came as Jim’s wife Irene, daughters Gemma and Julie, son Barry and other family members joined participants to present the trophy and share in the occasion.
Congratulations to Carrick Team 2, who lifted the inaugural memorial trophy, but more importantly, well done to KA Leisure and everyone who took part in such a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to football.
The festival was a wonderful celebration of Jim’s legacy and a reminder of the lasting impact he had on football throughout Ayrshire and beyond. ❤️👏⚽
Women’s Walking Footballers Enjoy Inaugural Algarve Playcation ☀️⚽
Walking football is about so much more than the action on the pitch, and that was perfectly demonstrated by the success of the first-ever Algarve Playcation, a unique initiative bringing together women who share a love of football, friendship and adventure.
The idea was the brainchild of Joanie and Anne from Jeanfield Swifts, who worked alongside Algarve Football Tours and EuroCopa Walking Football Tournaments to turn their vision into reality.
The event attracted many women from Scotland, alongside participants from elsewhere in the UK, who travelled either individually or in small groups to enjoy a relaxed and enjoyable football holiday centred around participation, wellbeing and social connection.
While walking football remained at the heart of the week, participants also enjoyed a range of activities including boat trips, kayaking, yoga, padel and pickleball, as well as plenty of opportunities to socialise and explore the Algarve together.
Most importantly, the Playcation created lasting memories, strengthened existing friendships and forged many new ones, highlighting once again the unique community spirit that walking football provides.
World Cup Spirit on Display at St Mirren Walking Football Festival 🌍⚽
There was a fantastic World Cup atmosphere as St Mirren Charitable Foundation hosted a special World Cup-themed Walking Football event, bringing participants together for an enjoyable evening of football, fun and friendly competition.
Players proudly pulled on the colours of nations from across the globe, representing countries from every corner of the footballing world as they battled it out in a series of matches inspired by the FIFA World Cup.
The event was a brilliant celebration of the game, with plenty of smiles, great football and good-natured rivalry on display throughout the evening. More importantly, it showcased the inclusive and social nature of walking football, bringing people together through a shared love of the sport.
A huge thank you to everyone who took part and helped create such a memorable occasion. Events like these continue to demonstrate how walking football can engage communities, promote wellbeing and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful game. 👏⚽🏆🌍
Stranraer Continue to Grow the Game Across Wigtownshire 💙🤍⚽
Stranraer FC Walking Football Club and organiser Gary Small continue to do fantastic work promoting walking football throughout the local community, bringing the game to new audiences and highlighting the many benefits it can offer.
The latest stop on their journey saw the group visit Castle Kennedy School Park, where participants enjoyed an evening of football, fun and social interaction in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
The session formed part of the club’s ongoing efforts to showcase walking football across villages and communities throughout the area, encouraging people of all abilities to get involved, stay active and enjoy the physical, mental and social benefits that the game provides.
A huge credit goes to Gary and everyone involved at Stranraer FC Walking Football Club for their continued commitment to growing the game and creating opportunities for more people to experience the joy of walking football.
Long may the excellent work continue. 👏⚽💙🤍
Glasgow Cup Series Off to Flying Start at Toryglen ⚽🏆
The 2026 Walking Football Glasgow Cup series has got off to a fantastic start at Toryglen Regional Football Centre, with two hugely successful events already completed and hundreds of players taking part.
The series opened on National Movement Day with the inaugural Men’s Over 75s Glasgow Cup, where five teams from across Scotland competed to become the first-ever champions in this age category. A total of 50 players took part, demonstrating that football truly is a game for life. After a closely contested day of action, Fife Wanderers were crowned champions following a 1-0 victory over Drumchapel United in the final.
The momentum continued with the Men’s Over 65s Glasgow Cup, which attracted 14 teams from across the country and saw well over 100 players descend on Toryglen. The standard of football throughout the day was exceptional, with several closely fought matches showcasing the quality and competitiveness within the game.
After an exciting final, Ayr United emerged victorious, defeating defending champions Alloa Athletic in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.
The opening events have once again highlighted the continued growth of walking football in Scotland, with players travelling from all corners of the country to compete, socialise and enjoy the many benefits the game provides.
A huge thank you goes to all players, volunteers, referees, supporters and venue staff who have helped make the Glasgow Cup such a success so far. We now look forward to the remaining events in the series as another memorable summer of walking football continues. 👏⚽🏆💙
Coyne Cup Raises £1,000 for Charity in Memory of Loved One ❤️⚽
The walking football community recently came together for the inaugural Coyne Cup, a special event organised in memory of a much-loved family member whose legacy continues to inspire those closest to them.
The tournament brought together players, friends and families for a day filled with football, friendship and fundraising, with a fantastic standard of play on display throughout. There was no shortage of quality and competitiveness on show, highlighting the growing strength of walking football across Scotland.
On the pitch, congratulations go to the Coyne Family Team, who lifted the Coyne Cup, while Drumchapel United were delighted to take home the Shield.
However, the true success of the day came away from the football itself. Thanks to the incredible generosity of everyone who attended, supported and donated, the event raised approximately £1,000, with proceeds being shared between Macmillan Cancer Support and Live Life Give Life, supporting vital work carried out by both charities.
Special thanks were also extended to all the players and supporters who gave up part of their Father’s Day to attend and help make the event such a memorable occasion.
A wonderful tribute, a fantastic day of football, and a fitting way to honour a loved one’s memory while making a positive difference to others. 👏❤️⚽🏆
As these stories demonstrate, walking football is far more than just a game. It is about friendship, wellbeing, community, inclusion and creating opportunities for people to stay active and connected at every stage of life. A huge congratulations to all the clubs, players, volunteers and organisers featured in this round-up for their continued dedication and enthusiasm.
We look forward to bringing you more stories from across Scotland as the season continues and the walking football family continues to grow. ⚽👏💙🏆❤️
