Gala Fairydean Rovers win kit and equipment valued at £1,000 in Aviva competition

Gala Fairydean Rovers Walking Footballers have won kit and equipment valued at £1,000 in a  competition organised by Aviva, Community Partner of Norwich City FC, as part of their campaign to celebrate the inclusive and diverse nature of grassroots football from the amateur level to the elite.

The competition was open to all UK amateur sides including junior teams, veteran teams, wheelchair football, walking football, women’s teams, mixed ability football, deaf football and blind football

Entrants had to tell Aviva why they should receive the kit and equipment in a maximum of 300 words and Gala were one of the three winning teams selected by Aviva and Norwich City.

The Gala players chose individual wet weather training jackets with embroidered club badge, two padded coats for use by substitutes, two new goalkeeper’s tops, gloves, pitch markers, ice packs and sprays and a quantity of footballs.

Former club treasurer and last season’s GFR Player of the Tournament in the national league campaign, Mike Bisland said: “I’d like to thank Aviva for their kind award, and to all those who were involved in the judging. It is greatly appreciated.

“This award has allowed us to furnish each member with a badged team jacket, bringing them together as a truly recognisable squad.

“The quality of the jackets are excellent and we will be wearing them at the national league tournament which starts at Ravenscraig later this month, our own tournament at Netherdale in May and the Walking Football Scottish Cup at Glasgow Green in June.

“Our twice weekly walking football sessions combine competitiveness, physical activity as well as encouraging social interaction which is so important to wellbeing and have proved very popular.   With 25 members, the club has been hugely beneficial in encouraging regular exercise to a vulnerable age group and I would recommend the sport to anyone.”  

The equipment was provided by 4sport Group. Managing Director Gary Cockaday said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure working with Gala Fairydean Rovers.”