Rose Reilly MBE

Walking Football Scotland's Patron Rose Reilly was finally presented with her well deserved MBE recently at a prestigous ceremony in Holyrood Palace by HRH Princess Anne.

Rose, who is one of our country’s greatest football players, has received the award for her exceptional services to women’s football when she overcame the odds to succeed in a career during a time the Scottish football authorities declared football was not “a game for ladies.” She then moved to Europe, playing professionally in Italy and France and leading adopted country Italy to two Women's World cup victories in 1984 and 1985.

Following the ceremony she said: “It’s so emotional. I am so proud of myself, women’s football and I am proud for my wee village of Stewarton” and added “This recognition is good for the future players, the wee girls, that they can see that they can achieve something as a woman footballer in Scotland.”

Work is already underway on a film of her life story by Skye-based Chris Young, producer of The Inbetweeners, with the working title “Life of Reilly” and BBC have also produced an excellent documentary which is available online at:
ROSE REILLY BBC DOCUMENTARY

On behalf of all the Scottish walking football community, hearty congratulations Rose, you are a fabulous role model to us all and we thank you for your tireless support of the walking game.