UEFA Euro2020 Celebration of Walking Football

Walking Football Scotland chair Gary McLaughlin with Trustee Matt Ramsay (who helped organise the event) and the Euro2020 Trophy.

The Lord Provost of Glasgow, Philip Braat opened the walking football festival at the Toryglen Regional Football Centre on June 2, as he welcomed the Henri Delaunay Trophy as part of the UEFA EURO2020 Trophy Tour. 

Gary McLaughlin, Chairman of Walking Football Scotland, and Billy Garrett, Director of Sport and Events, Glasgow Life were among the invited guests alongside former Scotland players Darren Jackson and Stuart McCall. 

Also part of the celebration were some 80 walking football players from around Glasgow and everyone got the opportunity to have their photograph taken with the trophy. 

Sadly, Coronavirus’ level restrictions had limited the participation to Glasgow players only, however, a fantastic morning of walking football was shared by all, full of fun and re-kindling the camaraderie and friendships that has been missing during so much of the pandemic. The event saw many walking football players getting the chance to see friends they have not been able to see for over a year. 

Gary said: “You could feel the excitement at the venue and taking part in the celebration of walking football and being part of the UEFA EURO 2020 celebrations, was just extra special. Everyone was well looked after and it is another step closer to getting together as we try and deal with this terrible virus.” 

Walking Football Scotland would like to thank the Lord Provost, Glasgow Sport and the UEFA Euro2020 committee for their hospitality and for hosting such a wonderful event and for raising the temperature and our hopes for a successful outcome for the Scotland National team. 

Main images courtesy of Jeff Holmes.

The Lord Provost of Glasgow, Philip Braat, Darren Jackson, Stuart McCall and Billy Garrett