WFS advise NON-CONTACT walking football

Walking Football Scotland advise non-contact play for the foreseeable future as the Scottish FA has lifted suspension of play.

The restrictions were eased this week by the governing body in line with phase three of the Scottish Government’s route map out of the COVID-19 crisis.

This means that contact training for walking football – can resume from Monday August 24.

However after a full board meeting it was agreed that although guidelines permit contact play, Walking Football Scotland would recommend and ask all participants to play NON-contact walking football for the foreseeable future, in addition to the strict guidance and protocols issued by the Scottish FA Joint Response Group.

All parties should familiarise themselves with these important guidelines. For the adult game, specific restrictions apply with regards to distancing, pitch, and group sizes.

WFS Chair Gary McLaughlin said: “We have an opportunity to come closer to the walking football we all love and look forward too, but we must be mindful that it is not business as usual or back to normal.

“This virus has not gone away and, with our age group in mind, keeping a little distancing in play can assist in our safe return and lessen the spread of the virus.

“The overall health and wellbeing of participants, their family and coaches remain the main focus of the Board of Trustees during the Coronavirus threat.”

Players must observe the guidelines and protocols in place to enjoy the sport safely and although three sessions per week are now allowed, the Board also ask participants to be mindful of the sessions and areas they choose and travel to in an effort to contain further spread.

To reiterate, the suspension on competitions, friendly matches, festivals, and events REMAINS in place until further guidance permits this next step to be taken.

It should also be noted that, at this time, access to facilities may be challenging for clubs and WFS ask for continued patience as local authorities and leisure trusts put in place plans to fully re-open outdoor pitches and facilities.

The organisation urges all clubs to utilise the resources and guidelines now available on the Scottish FA. Return to Football Hub. This will allow clubs to plan in conjunction with committees, coaches, and participants to make sure everyone is aware of their role in ensuring our return, is safe and continues to promote public health guidelines and where possible to volunteer as a Covid Co-ordinator for your club. Covid E-Learning can be obtained at: Covid E-Learning course

Walking Football Scotland has highlighted a small part of the Return to Football Hub and urge everyone to have a good look through the document and links on our website at:  WFS website: Covid-19 Route map Phase three