Step forward Dundee

Focus group meeting in Dundee

Walking football took another step forward last night, when the East Region of the Scottish FA hosted another pilot focus group meeting of walking footballers from across the area in their offices in Dundee.

The meeting was chaired by Tony Smith the Walking Football Scotland Trustee for the East and was supported by Kevin Lee the Scottish FA Regional manager and his team.

The delegates in attendance, representing teams and groups from across the region were joined by Walking Football Scotland Chairman Gary McLaughlin and a wide range of issues was covered.

WFS chairman Gary McLaughlin said:

“It was great to be at the meeting and to get first hand information of how walking football is growing in the East Region and to see people travelling from Perth, Scone and as far as Kirkcaldy was impressive. Everyone is passionate about walking football and that is a major factor to the development of the sport.”

 There was a healthy debate on a wide range of subjects and the issue of competition versus health benefits was a major feature. Competitive Leagues, Friendly Festivals, Age and mixed and women only sessions were some of the topics for discussion.

Walking football is still relatively new and is growing fast but lack of numbers still limit the speed of development in areas such as setting different age limits, but that is changing.

WFS Trustee Tony Smith said “I am fortunate that the Area reps in the East Region focus group share a common purpose, which is to try and promote walking football and all the benefits it brings to participants. Discussions are frank and open about concerns and feedback we get from our members. Following on from these discussions we aim to make any necessary compromises to help engage as many members as possible in organised competitive and non-competitive tournaments.

Ravenscraig League Fixtures for 26th September

Hearts 98 top the League with three sessions left to play and being pushed hard by two very good sides in joint second place, Gala Fairydean Rovers and Hearts 56.

Good luck to all taking part next week.

Action from Ayr United Parkhouse V North Lanarkshire Leisure (red)

Ravenscraig Walking Football Fixtures 26th September 2018 

FIXTURE 1

Hearts 98 v Ayr United Parkhouse

Hearts 56 v Fife Wanderers

Gala Fairydean Rovers v Glasgow Sport East

North Lanarkshire Leisure v Stenhousemuir

Oriam v Glasgow Sport West

Ayr United Beresford v Motherwell

 FIXTURE 2

Hearts 98 v Glasgow Sport East

Hearts 56 v Motherwell

Gala Fairydean Rovers v Ayr United Parkhouse

Oriam v Fife Wanderers

Glasgow Sport West v North Lanarkshire Leisure

Ayr United Beresford v Stenhousemuir

 FIXTURE 3

Glasgow Sport East v Motherwell

North Lanarkshire Leisure v Ayr United Beresford

Hearts 56 v Ayr United Parkhouse

Glasgow Sport West v Fife Wanderers

Gala Fairydean Rovers v Oriam

Stenhousemuir v Hearts 98

Healthy Body, Healthy Mind

Signing up to Scotland’s Mental Health Charter

WFS Committment

Scotland’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport is the charity SAMH’s latest programme with groups covering various sports and activities from rollerblading to basketball, yoga to walking football - all signing up to create positive lasting change in people’s mental wellbeing

Walking Football Scotland feels this is a major part in what we aim to deliver and are proud to make a commitment and create an action plan and strategy, enabling us to meet the needs of the Charter working with SAMH.

Many of our players feel the benefit in engaging and re-engaging in sport,  walking football in particular is helping many connect and reconnect , making new friends, having something to aim for, the camaraderie, fitness and social activities all central to WFS and many of us share the positive stories in our groups and sessions across Scotland.

WFS Chairman Gary McLaughlin said: “Walking Football Scotland recognise the impact that physical activity and sport can have on our physical and mental health and our general wellbeing. Mental health and physical health should be of equal value, and we will raise awareness amongst our membership, partners and public to ensure equality is at the heart of what we do.”

Scotland’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport aims to improve equality and reduce discrimination for anyone with a mental health issue and to remove any and all barriers and allow participation for all.

It was with this in mind the WFS Board worked to achieve the requirements and were rewarded in June this year when the then Minister for Public Health and Sport Aileen Campbell was able to help us promote WFS commitment to signing up to the Charter.

The photograph shows l-r chair Gary McLaughlin, Aileen Campbell MSP, Robert Nesbitt of SAMH and Treasurer David Hyland with the Charter Documentation in June this year.

 Signing up

Another first for the organisation saw Walking Football Scotland in August this year being one of the first 50 groups in the country to sign up to Scotland’s Mental Health Charter.
WFS was delighted to join SAMH in a celebration of their work in physical activity, sport and mental health in Glasgow (Friday August 10th) and complete the signing of the charter.
Over the course of the morning WFS chairman Gary McLaughlin had an opportunity to breakfast with SAMH friends and fellow signatories to the SAMH Mental Health Charter from across sport, business and health and to take part in a question and answer session with SAMH Ambassadors, Sir Chris Hoy and Adam Peaty, hosted by sports broadcaster Jill Douglas.

Sir Chris Hoy and Adam Peaty have joined forces with SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) and the Olympic stars are urging sports clubs across the country to encourage more people to get physically active to improve their mental wellbeing.

Sir Chris Hoy, SAMH ambassador, said: “Everyone should have the chance to get active and learn to use physical activity and sport to help live a happier, healthier life and we need to ensure funding is in place to deliver initiatives to support this.

“I myself have truly benefitted from the positive impact of physical activity and there should never be barriers to prevent anyone from getting active.

“SAMH is leading the way in Scotland ensuring sporting organisations and groups recognise the power of physical activity and encourage everyone to take part in their activities no matter who they are or what their personal struggle may be.”

WFS join some of the 50 signatories to the Charter in Glasgow.

WFS has signed up to the Mental Health Charter because it shares and believes in the Charter’s principal and is committed to preventing any barriers that stops any of Walking Football Scotland’s participants, friends, players and communities, engaging, participating and achieving their goals. The organisation aims to increase awareness by creating a deeper knowledge and understanding of Mental Health and Wellbeing for all. Everyone should have a social responsibility and this is core to Walking Football Scotland.

l-r Graeme Henderson Director of Delivery and Development SAMH, Ian Beattie vice Chair of SAMH look on as Walking Football Scotland Chair Gary McLaughlin signs up to the Mental Health Charter.

WFS intend to roll out the Charter and help our members understand more about mental health issues by using the advice from SAMH in e-learning and toolkit form and use the pathway for better understanding and support all participants of walking football.

Robert Nesbitt SAMH Head of Physical Activity and Sport said: “It was great that Walking Football Scotland could join us and looking forward to see you realise your Charter action plan and difference that it will make to breaking down the barriers to engaging, participating and achieving!”

Gretna Fundraiser for Prostate Cancer UK

Gretna FC 2008  are making strides to help stop prostate cancer being a killer by organising their own Friendly Football Festival as part of Prostate Cancer UK’s first Walking Football Month. The friendly walking football Festival will take place on Sunday 30th September at Raydale Park, Gretna. 

The Anvils have stepped up to join more than 45 other walking football clubs across the UK in signing up to host a friendly Festival this September, in a bid to fight back against the most common cancer in men.

Walking Football Month in Scotland has also been backed by former Scotland football manager Craig Brown CBE, Walking Football Scotland’s Ambassador.

Craig said: “Prostate Cancer UK's Walking Football Month, this month of September, will be featuring Gretna FC 2008 who will be hosting their own friendly Festival to raise awareness and funds for important research. In the UK, about 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives.”

“With the Scotland Women's Team qualifying for the first time for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup in France. I am honoured to be the co-ambassador of Walking Football in Scotland.  My colleague is none other than, and arguably, Scotland's most famous female player, Rose Reilly.” 

Since Gary McLaughlin, Chairman of Walking Football Scotland, invited Rose and me to become involved, I have been hugely impressed by the rapid expansion of this popular sport and as a Member of the League Managers Association it is understandable that I'm fully supportive of both its involvement in raising awareness of Prostate Cancer and also of the impact which Walking Football will have, this month in particular. I am sure everyone will wish all the best to Stuart Rome and Gretna 2008 in their fantastic and generous efforts, and to support them in any way we can to raise money for research and rid ourselves of prostate cancer.

Walking Football Scotland chairman Gary McLaughlin said: “We are delighted to be involved and working with Prostate Cancer UK. Our age group sadly is the group which is mainly affected by prostate cancer. Although only males have a prostate gland, families can be dramatically changed by this disease.  It is in the best interest of our male and female members to help, support and get involved. All credit to Stuart and Gretna 2008 for doing just that and to their commitment and generosity for a very worthwhile cause. ”

Get along to Raydale Park and raise some money for a worthwhile cause and have some fun.

Ravenscraig League Table and Results August 2018

A big upset at Ravenscraig today, Wednesday 29th August saw Hearts 98 replace last years winners Hearts 56 at the top of the walking football League and Gala Fairydean Rovers remain in second place with an impressive goal difference.

Results 

Ravenscraig League Fixtures for 29th August 2018

Summer break is over and everyone is looking forward to the return of the National league fixtures next Wednesday 29th August at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility.

The last set of games left Heart of Midlothian 98 top of the table on 18 points, two points ahead of their good friends Heart of Midlothian 56 and joint third place with 14 points each were Gala Fairydean Rovers and Glasgow Sport West.

The League is organised by Walking Football Scotland in partnership with North Lanarkshire Leisure and Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire.

Good Luck to all participants.

For fixtures see below:

Ravenscraig Walking Football Fixtures 29th August 2018                                                                 

Fixture 1

Hearts 98 v Motherwell

Hearts 56 v Glasgow Sport West

Gala Fairydean Rovers v Ayr United Beresford

North Lanarkshire Leisure v Ayr United Parkhouse

Fife Wanderers v Stenhousemuir

Oriam v Glasgow Sport East

Fixture 2

Fife Wanderers v Hearts 98

Glasgow Sport East v Glasgow Sport West

Ayr United Parkhouse v Oriam

Stenhousemuir v Motherwell

Hearts 56 v Ayr United Beresford

Gala Fairydean Rovers v North Lanarkshire Leisure

Fixture 3

Oriam v North Lanarkshire Leisure

Fife Wanderers v Gala Fairydean Rovers

Ayr United Beresford v Ayr United Parkhouse

Stenhousemuir v Glasgow Sport East

Motherwell v Glasgow Sport West

Hearts 98 v Hearts 56

Festival was a walk on the Green

The launch of the Cup and Festival 2018

A fantastic day was had by everyone at the Walking Football Scotland Scottish Cup and Festival at Glasgow Green on Saturday June 23.

Huge thanks must go to the Minister of Public Health and Sport, Aileen Campbell MSP for her support and kicking off the Festival and Baillie Russell Robertson of Glasgow City Council for the warm welcome and the weather.

The event - which we believe to be the biggest of its kind in the UK - also had the backing of the Scottish Football Partnership Trust and Paths for All charity and a very special mention goes to Glasgow Sport and Matt Ramsay in particular for hosting such a celebration of walking football.

Walking Football Scotland Chairman Gary McLaughlin said: “We are absolutely delighted with the Event today. We had over 600 people on Glasgow Green, engaged and active through walking football. Everything was so good, weather was fantastic, the competition although keen was played in an exceptionally sporting temperament and the non-competitive Festival was walking football at its best.  The challenge will be trying to better it next year.”

Ian Maxwell Chief Executive of the Scottish FA lent his support to the event and it was good to see a number of celebrities and former players taking part in walking football.

A total of 32 teams took part in the Scottish Cup and 24 teams in the non-competitive Festival put the icing on the cake and the event ended with a dramatic final between Gretna 2008 v Ayr United FC, resulting in a 2-2 draw with Gretna winning the cup on penalty kicks... drama till the end.

Players travelled from across Scotland and the team with possibly the farthest to travel went home with the Fair Play Award:  well done Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Netball Scotland put on a come and try walking netball and proved to be very popular

Other partners were there to enjoy and add their support to the event from Age Scotland, Cardiac Science, Prostate Cancer UK and great to see SAMH, Age Scotland and the Scottish FA field a team. 

Planning will start soon on next year’s Walking Football Scotland Scottish Cup and Festival and we hope to see you again!

Click on the image below to see more photographs from the day.

Montrose looking for a first double in walking football.

Countdown is on, ONE day to go till the Scottish Cup and Festival at Glasgow Green. Montrose are sending down two teams.

Montrose ladies enter into the fun Festival

Montrose are sending two teams down to Glasgow on Saturday making a first in two categories. The ladies team making the first full squad of women ever to play in a National event, whilst the men are looking to be the first team to win the Scottish Cup on two occasions. The second double is on.

Montrose gents looking for a double win in the Cup

Links Park Community Trust was established in 2011 with one very simple goal; to utilise the power and widespread appeal of sport to inspire change. Six years later they out performed all other 41 clubs in Scotland, scooping the Best Professional Club in the Community trophy.

Walking football plays a significant part in the trust’s activities with both men and women regularly taking part in sessions and in 2016, the men’s team won the walking football Scottish Cup at Ainslie Park Edinburgh,

Project Officer Logan Cruikshank said: “The Montrose Waking Football Club comes under the umbrella of the Links Park Community Trust and was formed around three years ago. The sessions have grown and we now have around forty men taking part in two sessions every week. We have a competitive or high intensity session for over 50's and also a non-competitive session with no age restriction where the players are happy to play for the enjoyment.

 “We also have a women’s session with no age restrictions who will be playing in the national festival. Their average age is between 45-50 but there is a big age gap between the youngest at 21 and the oldest at 64.

“I understand that ours is the only all-female walking football sessions in Scotland and possibly the UK. I know many women play the sport but they all play in mixed teams.

“The Ladies recently played a friendly match against St Johnstone which I believe was the first all-female walking football match in the country.

“In 2016, the men’s team won the Scottish Cup in Edinburgh which helped boost the numbers. Their achievement was reported in the local press and via social media and things went crazy.

“That was their first big tournament and they didn’t know what to expect and had no idea of what the standard would be like so everyone was delighted when they returned with the trophy.

 “We are still keen to increase the numbers but the problem is persuading people to give the sport a try. I often speak to people who think they are fit enough to play regular fives but they don’t appreciate how hard walking football can be.

“All the players are looking forward to the event in Glasgow. The men’s team are taking part in the Scottish Cup and the Ladies side will play in the festival. We are looking to hire a coach so both teams can travel through together.

“I appreciate the health benefits from playing walking football and as a community trust we have to evidence this to help with funding requests. One testimonial was from a player who was on medication for high blood pressure and diabetes. Playing walking football and other activities has helped him reduce his medication by half which is fantastic.

“The players are all at an age where health problems can occur so keeping fit is important and they all recognise this.”

 Walking Football Scotland wish the best of luck to Montrose and all the walking football groups travelling to Glasgow this Saturday.

A first for Kirriemuir in the Scottish Cup

Countdown is on, three days till the Scottish Cup and Festival at Glasgow Green and Kirriemuir are getting ready for their first match in the competition.

Kirriemuir walking footballers

This is the first occasion that such a huge number of players have decided to travel to the Walking Football Scotland Scottish Cup and National Festival. It promises to be a great day out and provides the opportunity to meet a large cross section of walking footballers from all over Scotland."

One of the more pleasing aspects of moving the Scottish Cup and Festival to the larger facility at Glasgow Green from Ainslie Park in Edinburgh is that it gives more teams who have not previously participated in the event the chance to take part and make new friends in the Walking Football community.

Like a number of clubs, this will be Kirriemuir’s first visit to the tournament and their players are looking forward to testing their skills against teams like Hearts, Gala Fairydean Rovers, Saints in the Community and Kirkcaldy to name a few.

Kirriemuir is a small, rural, town with a population of just over 6,000, situated at the gateway to the Angus Glens, a few miles north of Forfar. The town is the birthplace and resting place of the world acclaimed author J.M. Barrie, and a statue of Peter Pan stands in the town square. In more recent times, ‘Kirrie’ is also associated with Bon Scott of AC/DC fame. 

Kirriemuir Walking Football Group became established two years ago and attracts between 8 and 14 at the weekly sessions which take place outdoors on the 3G astro pitch attached to the local Webster's Sport Centre. Ages range from 53-74. Local sponsorship provided balls, bibs and cones.

The core of the group previously played 5-a-side football together for many years and a regular in that squad was former Dundee United and Manchester United player Frank Kopel.

Because of the limited player resources within the town, recruits travel from further afield from the Angus towns of Montrose, Forfar and Brechin and seven have agreed to make the 200-mile round journey to compete in the event.

The team will proudly wear the colours of local junior side Kirrie Thistle.

Good luck and safe trip to Kirriemuir. We hope you have a ‘ball’.

Cambusdoon looking to put the poetry in motion

Countdown is on, four days till the Scottish Cup and Festival at Glasgow Green and Cambusdoon are getting ready for their first competitive match.

Training session over and still a lot of happy faces

Cambusdoon will be walking into the unknown when they turn up at Glasgow Green on Saturday.

This will be the first time that any of the players have competed in a competitive tournament but everyone is looking forward to testing their skills against more seasoned campaigners such as Dundee United, St James and Glasgow Sport West.

The club are just one of a number in Ayrshire and weekly sessions are held at the Cambusdoon Sports Club which is a multi-functional sports and community facility in Alloway.

Walking football started at the club around eighteen months ago however it was only after the facility installed a state of the art 40mm 3G pitch that the numbers increased to their current level.

Founder member Sam Hornell said: “Everyone is looking forward to the Scottish Cup although none of us know just what to expect. This will be the first time that we have entered any tournament.

“I was one of the founders in November 2016 and at that time we only had five or six and played once a month at the Cambusdoon Sports Centre in Ayr. At that time we played on the sand pitch but now have access to a 3G surface which makes a big difference. It’s like night and day compared to the old pitch.

“The new pitch has attracted more players and we now have weekly sessions with 13 members of the Centre who have signed up and another 6 who are regulars. Some of the guys still work so our sessions are held in the evenings. We can get anything between seven and 16 turning up on any given night.

“The ages range from 51 to early sixties with one played aged 70

“Nine have signed up for the competition and we will be travelling to Glasgow Green by train and taxi.

“We all really enjoy the sport and I would say that everyone’s mobility is now much better than when we started. I remember there was a lot of huffing and puffing for the first few weeks and many sore legs.

“We are keen to increase the numbers and I have spoken to many people but it’s difficult to persuade them to turn up. I think a lot of it is down to fear as they are uncertain of what to expect and many have not played any sports since school days.”

Walking Football Scotland hope that Cambusdoon enjoy their first venture into the Scottish cup and that some songs or poetry are written around their day at Glasgow Green.

Good luck to Sam and his team

Raith Rovers Champions at Ochilview

Raith Rovers Community Foundation were worthy winners today (Sunday) at the Stenhousemuir Football Club Walking Football Tournament.

Raith Rovers team and coaches celebrate after receiving the Trophy from Walking Football Scotland Chairman Gary McLaughlin

Twelve teams turned up today at Ochilview Park to compete for the Stenhousemuir FC walking football tournament. The closely fought final saw Raith Rovers overcome a strong Clyde team in the final.

Below is a gallery with some of the teams competing today.

Well done to Danny Newbigging and his staff at Stenhousemuir FC and to all the participants.

Midlothian look forward to enjoying a Festival of Walking Football

Countdown is on, seven days till the Scottish Cup and Festival at Glasgow Green and champions Midlothian are looking forward to defending their title.

Archie Macpherson presenting the Trophy to Midlothian last year

Midlothian travel to Glasgow Green next Saturday hoping to become the first walking football team to retain the Scottish Cup

Walking football started in Midlothian in 2012 as part of the Ageing Well project, a physical activity program for the over 50’s run by volunteers offering many activities which attract over 650 people each week to keep active as well as increase their social life and feel part of their local community.

A number of former Hibernian players including Eric Stevenson, Kenny Davidson, Jackie MacNamara, Stan Vincent and Keith Wright helped launch the initiative at the Bayne Memorial Hall in Loanhead and since then the team have displayed their considerable talents at events through Scotland and beyond.

Midlothian have an excellent record in the Scottish Cup having lost on penalties to eventual winners Hibernian in the semi-final of the inaugural event in 2015, then, one year later they were narrowly defeated in the final by a very strong Montrose side.

Last year however they were popular and deserved winners of the trophy with 85-year-old Peter Collins performing heroics in goals throughout the competition.

Peter is an inspirational figure who still plays walking football five times per week and encourages others to follow his example. Shortly after the tournament he received the SFA Volunteer of the Year in Adult Football award at a special ceremony at Easter Road.

 We asked Vivian Wallace a Trustee with Walking Football Scotland and a regular in the Midlothian squad if they were looking forward to returning to Glasgow on the 23rd June.

Vivian said; “Yes, we are all looking forward to this year’s festival and defending the title.  It’s amazing how walking football has grown over the years and we probably don’t realise just how much the game has changed people’s lives for the better, be it fitness, socialising or just feeling delighted to be playing the game they have enjoyed and loved all their lives. Here’s to a friendly fun event that we all will be talking about and sharing stories for years to come!”

Good luck Midlothian.

Gretna head to Glasgow for the Scottish Cup

Countdown to the Scottish Cup and Festival, Gretna 2008; Nine days till the Scottish Cup and Festival and the Anvils are coming to the gathering of walking football at Glasgow Green on the 23rd June.

Gretna 2008 walking football squad

Teams are coming from the length and breadth of the country to take part in this year’s Walking Football Scotland Scottish Cup and Festival.

 Earlier this week we featured Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Fort William from the highlands, so now we turn to our most southernly side, Gretna 2008.

The club was founded after the demise of Gretna F.C. and are rightly proud of their work in the community, particularly with youngsters.

In 2013, Gretna 2008 became founder members of the Lowland League, having previously played in the East of Scotland Football League Premier Division.

Since then, the walking football team have become an important part of the club and sessions are held inside Raydale Park.

The team have already achieved success as winners of the 2017 Gala Fairydean Rovers tournament and last year were runners up in the Scottish Cup.

Club Chief Executive Stuart Rome said: “Walking football has really taken off in Gretna. Our first session attracted around 10 but now we regularly have 20-22 turning up which is fantastic considering the size of the town.

“A lot of the guys are former players and the games can get quite competitive. I know this because I have refereed a few games, but it’s not about competitions, it’s about enjoying yourself.

“They play inside the stadium at Raydale Park behind the goals where the first team play. We have been lucky as only a couple of sessions have been cancelled due to the weather since we started.

“We considered looking or indoor facilities but the consensus amongst the players was that we continue to play outside.

“Last year we won the first tournament we entered which was at Netherdale, the home of Gala Fairydean Rovers, beating Midlothian in the final.

“We then entered the Scottish Cup at Glasgow Green but a couple of our regular players couldn’t make it. We reached the final but lost to Midlothian.

“The guys are all looking forward to this year’s event. We returned to Netherdale last month to defend our trophy but lost in the semi-final to Hawick.

“The team will be travelling to Glasgow by minibus and will be wearing the first team colours of black and white.

“The walking football team are now a big part of our club and our annual presentation night includes their player of the year.

“Many of the players go to our games in the Lowland League and the walking football team actually sponsor a couple of the fixtures.

“Clubs at our level can’t rely on gate money to survive so we have to engage with the community and walking football has been an excellent initiative.

“I have also seen the improvement in fitness amongst the players which is great.”

Good luck and see you at Glasgow Green.

Fort William look forward to the Scottish Cup in Glasgow

Countdown to the Scottish Cup and Festival. The Fort are coming to the walking football get together at Glasgow Green on the 23rd June.

Ben Nevis watching over the Fort William Squad as they prepare for the Scottish walking football cup competition.

Fort William will be taking part in the Walking Football Scotland Scottish Cup competition for the third time and they are hoping that the publicity attached to the national tournament will encourage more people in the town to try the sport.

Shinty is arguably the more popular sport in the area due to the success of first team who were Camanachd Cup holders four times in succession, between 2007 and 2010, but football is also enjoyed by many and local side Fort William FC are the only team in the Scottish Highland League from the West Highlands of Scotland.

The sports are not mutually exclusive though and several former shinty players now take part in the walking football sessions.

Walking football has become increasingly popular in the area with a credible number regularly taking part.

The team will travel together in a minibus to Glasgow, a journey which takes around two and a half hours, so an early start is required and the players will proudly wear Fort William’s first team colours of yellow and black.

Fort William are looking forward to a challenging group section, where they will come up against some tough opposition in current League Champions Hearts 56, Gretna 2008 and Ayr United Beresford.

Undeterred, Gary Davidson said: “This will be Fort William’s third Scottish Cup and the guys are really looking forward to it.

“We were at Edinburgh two years ago and at Glasgow Green last year which everyone thought was tremendous.

“I have been running the walking football sessions for almost three years and have seen the health and social benefits amongst the group. We have a hard core of 12-14 and play indoors with ages ranging from 52-67.

“I am the manager of the leisure centre and under 50 so I won’t be playing in the event but hope to travel down with the guys.

“Our challenge is to attract more players and hopefully the publicity from the Scottish Cup will help. I know a few really good players who would love the game but trying to persuade them is difficult.

“When we first started there were a few players who hadn’t played football before but had played shinty. We started off with a futsal which was easier to control but after our first tournament the guys decided we needed to play with a real ball.

“The health and wellbeing projects up here were mainly aimed at women such as zoomba and aerobics so as an ex footballer I was delighted to start the walking football sessions.

“The sessions are free to members of the leisure centre so many have joined and now take advantage to the other facilities such as the gym, pool and sauna. A few are even considering yoga.

“It’s fantastic to see people who weren’t taking any form of exercise now playing football and going to the gym.

“In addition, the social benefits are enormous.

“I listened to the Scottish Cup last year on BBC Sportsound and it was great to hear the former pros Barry and Derek Ferguson, Joe Miller, Alex Rae and Frank McAvennie taking part. Derek in particular was raving about the high standard on display so hopefully that can spark interest.”

We are all looking forward to seeing Fort William once again in the Cup Competition at Glasgow Green.

Good luck and a safe journey. 

Caley Thistle enter into our fun Festival

Countdown to the Scottish Cup and Festival. Caley Thistle look forward to our massive get together at Glasgow Green on the 23rd June.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC Community Development Walking Football Group

This year’s Walking Football Scotland Scottish Cup and Festival will be the first to feature non-competitive games and Inverness Caledonian Thistle will be making the 340-mile round trip to take part, leaving around 7am to ensure they arrive on time at Glasgow Green.

This will be the second time that Thistle have taken part in the tournament having attended the inaugural Festival which was held at Spartans’ Ainslie Park in Edinburgh in 2015.

The team had only just formed a few months before the event and with the age range being higher than many of the other participants, they, not surprisingly, found the matches more physical than they were used to or expected.

The Walking Football Scotland Festival therefore provides an ideal opportunity for the highlanders to show off their skills at a national level once again, with the main emphasis on a gathering of walking footballers from across the country enjoying the physical activity and social benefits the sport truly brings. 

Inverness will field two teams and have been drawn in groups C and D.

The ‘A’ team will face Dundee, Kirkcaldy, Morton, Oriam Strollers, Ross County and SAYR United. The ‘B’ Team will face AM Soccer, Edinburgh City, Gerihatricks, Spartans, St James and West Lothian Youth Foundation.

Craig Masterton, Head of Community Development at Inverness Caledonian Thistle who actually refereed the first final between Hibernian FFit Fans and Glasgow Life said: “We recently celebrated our 125th session and have around 30 members with 15-20 turning up each week. The age range is mainly late sixties to mid-seventies and we are planning to bring 10-12 down for the event.

“Walking Football has become increasingly popular in Inverness. Last year Ken McIntosh MSP, the Presiding Officer in the Scottish Parliament visited us and took part in a session which he really enjoyed.

“Our Chairman Graham Rae also brought a team of former players from Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Clachnacuddin who played some games against the regulars.

“Since the sessions started I have noticed the improvement in many of the players, particularly in relation to mobility. The social side is also very good and after each session, the guys usually have a coffee together in the café.

“Inverness Caledonian Thistle have provided home and away strips which the players will wear on the day and all the guys are really looking forward to it.”

Good luck and safe trip to the Caley Thistle squad.