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.