Player of the Month (February) - Pauline Monteith & Paul Burns
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As 2024 kicks off we’re getting the ball rolling with a spotlight in partnership with CHSS on a Walking Football Scotland Player of the Month!
For February the Walking Football Scotland Women’s Player of the Month is Pauline Monteith! Pauline, 54, plays with Braehead FC.
Walking Football Scotland Men’s Player of the Month is Paul Burns! Paul, 62, plays with Hearts FC.
Congratulations Pauline and Paul! They shared their reflections on what Walking Football means to them.
Why did you get involved in walking football?
Pauline: “I saw an advert on a local Facebook page and I thought why not as I had played football with the boys over 40 years ago and surely it’s like riding a bike! You never forget!”
Paul: “I have a picture of myself kicking a ball outside my house at 18 months old and I’ve loved playing football ever since. At 55 years young, I had a cardiac arrest playing 6 aside’s, but couldn’t imagine not playing football. When I heard about Walking Football from Colin Mackay I just knew it would be perfect for me. One year after my cardiac arrest, I joined the world of Walking Football and I’ve never looked back.”
What positive impact has walking football had on your life?
Pauline: “At the time my dad had been diagnosed with vascular dementia and I needed something to help my own mental health, somewhere to switch off.
Now, I would say I have never been fitter and play walking football at least 3 or 4 times a week with an amazing bunch at Braehead.”
Paul: “I love the feeling of being part of the Walking Football community. Fitness improves, new friendships grow and there’s laughs a plenty. There’s nothing better than seeing a new Walking Footballer come along to a session and loving it. I play in the competitions and get everything I ever had playing football in my younger years.”
What would you say to encourage others to come along?
Pauline: “Go for it you will love it! You will feel fitter, healthier and be part of an amazing community.
It doesn’t matter if you have never played before! Here at Braehead our age group goes from 18 to 68 with a mixture of ability. Come rain or shine this team absolutely love taking part.”
Paul: “Don’t let anybody put you off coming along to a Walking Football session. They’ll have a lot to say but never tried it. The banter’s great. There’s a good chance you’ll know at least one person in the group. It’s not about ability, it’s about playing football with like-minded mates at a wee bit slower pace.”
