WALKING FOOTBALL SCOTLAND NATIONAL TEAM

Recently, there has been discussion on social media and in person about WFS forming a national team. The following is a statement on the matter from WFS President, Kenny McLean.

“Walking Football Scotland (WFS) is a registered charitable organisation whose mission is to improve, maintain and promote the physical, mental and social wellbeing of older adults through walking football. Our governance is by a Board of 9 Trustees who all act on a voluntary basis.  We have approximately 140 clubs/groups affiliated to us who benefit from our support by way of equipment, education, promotion of their sessions and the opportunity to participate in our Regional & National league & cup competitions and that number of clubs continues to grow exponentially.

We are affiliated to the Scottish Football Association by being recognised as a game leader of our discipline through Scottish Para-Football. We are not a governing body, but a supportive charitable organisation focussed on enhancing the lives of older adults through participation in walking football. 

Our organisation is held in high esteem and has received many plaudits from the SFA, European Football for Development Network (EFDN) and many British & European clubs. In 2018, we were awarded the Age Scotland Jess Barrow Award for Campaigning and Influencing and in the following year our past Chair, Gary McLaughlin, received the UEFA Silver Award for services to football.

There are a number of walking football associations and federations out with Scotland who do not have a connection to any of the official FA’s, like we do. WFS are not affiliated to, nor recognise these walking football associations & federations, but instead recognise the official  governing bodies across Europe, by working closely with EFDN and the Scottish FA.

Recently, it has been suggested that WFS is not interested in, or does not support the idea of, a Scottish national team. This is not the case, but those who are commenting may not have thought through the process of organising a national team.

WFS has, in the past, explored the formation of a national squad, but were advised that the organisation & co-ordination of same was not financially viable for a charitable organisation at that time. However, with the ever increasing interest in walking football, and in our charity, by UEFA & EFDN, there may be more funding, support and infrastructure available to allow us to pursue a regional set up, at least, thus leading to a national structure.

But the formation of a national team has to be fair to all participants throughout Scotland as a national team must be truly representative of the country, which is where the difficulties arise. Who selects a national squad and how do we achieve that? Who do we appoint to manage and train a national squad and whereabouts is that conducted? Then there are the financial implications; kit, travel, venues, insurance, medical support (Doctor, Physio, etc).

So, in conclusion, I hope you can be patient with regards to the formation of a national team. WFS will, in due course, look towards the formation of regional teams, which may be a slightly easier task and, depending on its success & viability, look towards a national set-up.

In the meantime, I believe we have to prioritise our resources and be able to support and deliver for the majority of participants across the country. WFS strive to put emphasis on improving fitness, physical and mental health benefits and reducing social isolation. I hope you continue to support us as we make walking football safe and open to all, appreciating its many positive connections and enjoy participating in the sport now and for many years to come.

Yours in walking football,

Kenny McLean, President, Walking Football Scotland”