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.