Starting up a New Walking Football Group

Although the growth of walking football has been slowed down a little over the last couple of years due to the pandemic restrictions, many affiliated groups are beginning to report increased participation and since lockdown rules eased, sixteen new groups have affiliated to Walking Football Scotland.

Although access to indoor facilities may have limitations, many outdoor sessions are really flourishing despite the vagaries of the Scottish weather.
Community football clubs, leisure trusts and independant groups may be considering introducing the game into their local communities and here a few tips on how to launch a walking football group:

✔ Initially recommend taking a trip to your nearest walking football group to see how they started up and now operate.
Directory of affiliated groups: 🌐 Find a Walking Football Group

✔ Download the Members Resource documents from 🌐 Members Resources and adopt/amend as per required. (Checklist, Registration Forms, Rules of the Game etc)

✔Ensure you are aware of all Covid safety requirements by completing the online course at: 🌐 Covid Awareness Training

✔ Contact your local authority sports/football development team, Ageingwell co-ordinator, local football club etc who may help out access facilities, equipment, funding, advertising etc.

✔ Produce posters/flyers etc and distribute round local sports centres, libraries, supermarkets, GP waiting rooms, golf/bowling clubs, pubs etc.

✔ Draft article and send to local newspaper and post on local media Facebook, Twitter etc.

✔ Ensure first aid cover is accessible and it is highly recommended that a Defibrillator is within easy reach.

✔ Word of mouth - spread the word around all your friends, family, previous football team mates etc sharing the many benefits of the walking game.

✔ Affiliate to Walking Football Scotland.