CHSS FUNDRAISING MONTH

Dear All Walking Football Clubs

Please see below a message from our Charity partners, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland

We’re delighted to be teaming up with Walking Football Scotland again throughout the month of October to raise vital funds for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland ahead of World Stroke Day, on 29th October.

Last October we were thrilled that Walking Football Scotland teams raised over £10,000 for Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland!

Through your fundraising, you are responsible for providing over 500 hours of bespoke one-to-one care to the 1 in 5 Scots affected by our conditions and we can’t thank every Walking Football Team in Scotland enough!

Zip Slide the Clyde, 31st August

This summer we’re inviting Walking Football Scotland teams to join Chest Heart, Stroke Scotland, and explore new heights on Zip Slide the Clyde on Saturday 31st August. This exhilarating challenge will see you zipline from a crane next to the iconic Glasgow Riverside Museum, soaring 100ft high and gliding 1245ft along the Clyde!

Join WFS Trustee Matt Ramsay as he takes on this challenge! Sign up at: Zipslide the Clyde 2024 - Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (chss.org.uk)

October Fundraising

Your club has the whole of October to get involved to raise awareness and vital funds to help improve the health and wellbeing of people across the country who are at risk of stroke and heart disease and support people with our conditions to live their lives to the full.

Some ideas to get you started:

Why not organise a ticketed football tournament in your local club and challenge your work colleagues to a game, sell football cards or squares, get your friends and family involved in a coffee morning, beat the goalie or organise your own Euros event! Remember to ask your employer if they offer match funding. There are lots more ideas at Do your own thing - Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (chss.org.uk)

Whatever you decide to do, you’ll be making a huge difference to the 1 in 5 people in Scotland who are living with chest, heart and stroke conditions.

Kickstart your fundraising:

We are on hand to support you with your fundraising so please get in touch and let us know your plans so we can support you with fundraising packs, sponsor sheets, t-shirts and merchandise for your events and activities. Please contact fundraising@chss.org.uk 

We’re really looking forward to teaming up with you over the coming months to help make sure there’s no life half lived in Scotland.

Walking Football Scotland have created a club/player just giving page where all donations, similar to last year, can be collected. Please find the link here and share with your members - Walking Football Scotland is fundraising for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (justgiving.com)

Thank you,

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland

WFS O60's East Premiership & Championship

The WFS competitive leagues kicked back off for the second half of the season yesterday in the capital with the O60’s East Premiership & Championship.

We had an exciting day with results in the Premiership now meaning Hearts 56’ are in pole position ahead of next month’s final day, as they moved 7 points clear at the top.

In the championship, the table has turned around quite considerably and Oriam - White now lead, closely followed by Dunfermline Dynamos, however only 4 points separate top from fifth as we move into the last day with promotion up for grabs for the top 2 teams.

Many thanks to all teams, referees, and regional reps for their support on what was a good day of walking football.

We look forward to welcome you back for the final league date on Thursday 5th September to see how will be crowned champions!

WFS O60's East Premiership & Championship

The WFS competitive league season kicks off for the second half of the season on Thursday 1st August in the capital with the O60’s East Premiership & Championship.

We have a top of the table clash in the Premiership with Heart 56’ taking on Dundee East whom are only 3 points behind the leaders whereas in the Championship, Dunfermline Dynamos and Stenhousemuir 95’ are both joint on points currently with tough fixtures ahead.

All the best to all teams for a good day of walking football and please see below a list of fixtures for next Thursday.

Player of the Month (July) - Alan Cheyne & Mary Wake

In partnership with CHSS we are keeping up with our monthly spotlight on Walking Football Scotland Players of the Month! 

For July the Walking Football Scotland Women’s Player of the Month is Mary Wake! Mary, 56, plays with the Cumnock Striders.

Walking Football Scotland Men’s Player of the Month is Alan Cheyne! Alan, 63, plays with Walking Football Strikers Aberdeen.

Congratulations Mary and Alan! They shared their reflections on what Walking Football means to them

Why did you get involved in walking football?

Mary: “Having played football most of my younger days, walking football has now given me a great opportunity to get back into the sport. I never thought at my age this would be feasible but I am so grateful.”

Alan: “Have a history of heart issues resulting in heart bypass surgery in 2015. Following retirement in 2020 2 years of COVID pandemic really hit my confidence and I didn’t want to go out. Thankfully my good friend Pauline Smith, the owners of strikers Indoor Football, encouraged me to take part in the sessions at her establishment.”

What positive impact has walking football had on your life?

Mary: “Well it has given an opportunity to get back some fitness and improve my physical health. It is great to be part of a team again which is something I have missed. It has given me a purpose and I feel I am not ready for the shelf and it has been good for my mental health.”

Alan: “I feel so much more confident, I love being able to play football again with guys I last played with between 30 years ago. Health wise I feel much better and have made so many new friends thanks to the social aspect of being part of this group.”

What would you say to encourage others to come along?

Mary: “I would fully encourage others to join no matter what level they feel they are at there is room for everyone of all abilities. It is good to build your confidence and is a great way to make you feel part of something! Give it a go!”

Alan: “Do it, you’ll simply love it you make new friends, feel better both physically and mentally”

Laws of the Game - Penalty Kick Update

Following feedback from players, referees, managers and coaches and after a pilot at recent walking football tournaments, WFS confirm a minor update to Supplementary Laws of the Game (LotG) to Law 13: The Penalty Kick.

With effect from 1st August 2024, referee’s will NOT penalise penalty takers for slight movement of planted foot. Penalty takers taking, what in the referee's opinion is a STEP - standing foot totally off the ground - will however be penalised and an in-direct free-kick being awarded to opposing team or kick void if taken within a penalty shoot-out as normal.

We encourage players to practice penalties and the correct technique within their own weekly sessions.

WFS would like to thank Glasgow Life for their support on piloting this alternative law during their recent July Glasgow Cup events.

Club News

The summer months usually sees a quieter time for our WF clubs, but this year seems quite the opposite with clubs taking part in various events and competitions as well as continuing to do good work in their communities and for charity.

Off the back of their Glasgow Life Challenge Cup success, the players from Annan Athletic were delighted to show off their trophy at half time of the pre season friendly between Annan Athletic and Inverness CT.

Glasgow Life have been continuing to host their annual Glasgow Cup events and there has been success for Braehead FC, Pollok Utd and Winstanley Walkers in the Women’s 40s, Men’s 60’s and Men’s 50’s age categories respectively. A tremendous 500 players have taken part over the course of these 3 events and we congratulate all winners, clubs and organisers at Toryglen.

And finally, its not just the football part we like to see but the various events clubs partake supporting charities and in particular Ayr Utd who’s recent festival raised money for our charity partners, CHSS. Giffnock SC Auld Timers and Ayr Utd were winners in the O50’s and O65’s categories respectively at Shoot Super Soccer. Well done all!

annan athletic

glasgow life cup - over 50’s

glasgow life cup - over 60’s

pollok utd

glasgow life - over 40’s women’s

braehead fc

ayr utd - over 65’s

giffnock sc auld timers - over 50’s

Walking Football Scotland Email

We are currently experiencing an issue with our email system whereby we cannot send or receive emails. We hope to have this matter resolved as soon as possible. If you have forwarded an email to any of our accounts and have not received a reply, then we will respond once this issue is rectified. Thank you for your patience & understanding meantime.

Parkinson's Walking Football - Ayrshire

Introducing Parkinson's Walking Football sessions at The Circuit

In partnership with KA Leisure their sessions start on the 8th of August from 2.30pm-3.30pm for just £3!

Enjoy the slower version of the beautiful game where participants walk instead of run!

Contact activelifestyles@kaleisure.com or chamilton@kaleisure.com for more info or to register your interest

Club News

Another busy number of weeks for our clubs taking part in various events and competitions as well as seeing the growth of the game at local levels.

Treasurer Gordon McAllister was delighted to attend along with other dignitaries to support the cutting of the ribbon of a new pitch for the community at Girvan with the event supported by Campbell Frame who hopes to create more opportunities for walking football in this area.

Our Regional Managers are still busy picking their squads and playing friendlies in preparation for upcoming Regional League Cup the second half of the year and this has been evident with the O50’s East of Scotland team trials and then the O50’s South West of Scotland team taking on Carrick and Dumbarton FC respectively.

Drumchapel Utd were flying the flag for Scotland recently in a trip down to Newcastle and Regional Rep, Ian Duncan was also flying the flag as he took part in walking football down in Sheppey, Kent.

Off the back of their Scottish Cup success, some of the players from Rangers FFIT had the chance of a unique picture opportunity as the showed off the trophy inside Ibrox Park.

Arbroath FC and Regional Reps Dave Milne & Mike Burnett were delighted to organise and support the Geordie Muir Memorial Walking Football Festival which was held at the PKS Arena (Arbroath Sports Centre).

It is just over a year since they lost their oldest club member & the Festival was the perfect way to remember Geordie who made a significant contribution to football in Arbroath from youth level through to Sunday League.

Alloa Athletic and Annan Athletic were victorious at the annual O65’s Glasgow Cup events hosted by Glasgow Life with victories in the Glasgow Cup and Challenge Cup respectively which saw 16 teams take part and over 150 players attend Toryglen.

And finally, its not just the football part we like to see but the various events clubs partake supporting the camaraderie of the groups and none more so than Drumchapel Utd who organised ‘a trip doon the watter’ with a Waverley experience for the club. Well done all!

alloa athletic - o65’s glasgow cup winners

annan athletic - o65’s challenge cup winners

o65’s glasgow cup

geordie muir memorial festival

carrick - o50’s south west of scotland friendly

drumchapel utd - waverley

drumchapel utd

o50’s east of scotland trials

rangers ffit

sheppey utd

Player of the Month (June) - Caroline McClelland & George Love

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In partnership with CHSS we are keeping up with our monthly spotlight on Walking Football Scotland Players of the Month! 

For June the Walking Football Scotland Women’s Player of the Month is Caroline McClelland! Caroline, 51, plays with Whitletts Victoria.

Walking Football Scotland Men’s Player of the Month is George Love! George, 76, plays with North Lanarkshire Council.

Congratulations Caroline and George! They shared their reflections on what Walking Football means to them.

Why did you get involved in walking football?

Caroline: “I have always loved watching football and when I was a kid I played in the park with the boys. Unfortunately, I never got the opportunity then to play for a team and I wasn’t confident enough when I left home to try and play for a women’s team. I thought I had missed my chance, then when I was 48 I got another opportunity when I heard of walking football. I loved it from day one, even though there was only 3 of us to begin with.”

George: “I played amateur football up until I was 52 years old and once I retired from work a friend asked me along to walking football. I thought I would give it a go and have never looked back since! I love it!”

What positive impact has walking football had on your life?

Caroline: “Walking football has had a huge positive impact on my life. Not only am I much more physically fit and healthier but I feel I have become a more confident and happier person. I have met so many new people who I would never have met without walking football. My social life has improved and I feel part of a fun and positive community. Although we all compete against each other in the leagues it’s not like that off the pitch. Everyone is friendly and supportive and just there to have good fun.”

George: “I think it’s a great way to get out the house and stay active as well as enjoy the many health and social benefits. I went for a hip operation and as soon as I got back to the ward I was desperate to start my recovery so I could get back playing. The consultant knew there would be no stopping me and encouraged me to get back playing the game I love.”

What would you say to encourage others to come along?

Caroline: “It can be quite daunting starting something new, especially at our age but just go along once and I am sure you will feel great for it! It doesn’t matter what level of fitness or experience you have, there is a level for everyone. You don’t have to be part of a competitive team, you can go along to training sessions and have a laugh. When you are distracted you don’t actually realise how much walking you are doing. We just want to have fun and I don’t think you should miss out.”

George: “Walking football is life changing and get’s you back playing! Come along, you will never regret it!”

Club News

Our affiliated clubs don’t get too much of a break throughout the year as they seem to all be continuing the good work in their communities, or galivanting off to walking football events across the world.

The past month, Carrick, St James and Linlithgow Rose all had a trip down to take part in the annual Blackpool Tournament and it was the Ayrshire team who came back up the road with silverware! Well done Carrick!

Closer to home, Regional Rep Gordon Hyslop has been on his travels checking in with some of the local clubs of Dumfries and Galloway with a visit to Kirkcudbright. Dundee East have been ‘flying the flag’ in support for the Scotland National Team as they competed in Germany for the European Championships.

And finally, Raith Rovers were awarded the Peter Collins Fair Play Award last Saturday taking part in the non-competitive festival for good sportsmanship and playing within the right ethos of walking football. Sadly, many of the team had already left the venue to make the trip home and only a few could pick up the award, however this past week East Assistant Regional Manager, Willie Carroll presented the award again to the team with all present.

Well done all!

raith rovers - peter collins fair play award

carrick wfc

linlithgow rose

st james

morton

dundee east - street soccer

kirkcudbright

WFS Scottish Cup Survey

As a charity we are always keen to evaluate and look at ways of trying to improve, and off the back of another successful Scottish Cup, please find below a survey that we would appreciate you complete and share with your players so we can get a grasp of everyone’s thoughts.

We look forward in seeing your response and you can do so by completing the survey below.

WFS Scottish Cup & Festival 2024

𝗪𝗙𝗦 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗖𝘂𝗽 & 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰

On Saturday 22nd June, 83 football teams came together to take part as we broke records once again for the biggest one-day walking football festival in the world – the WFS Scottish Cup and Festival 2024!

The event, sponsored by leading Scottish health charity Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland took place at Glasgow Green Football Centre, where over 800 players from across Scotland competing in the tournament across various categories.

We were delighted to welcome special guests including Jim McCalliog, Bobby Russell and Dave Mackinnon as well as our WFS Patron Rose Reilly MBE.

𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀

The winning teams across each category were as follows:

Over 40s Women's - Braehead FC (defeating Linlithgow Rose CFC)

Over 50’s Women's - Rangers FFIT

Over 50s - Saint Anthony’s - Greens (defeating Saint Anthony’s - Whites)

Over 60s - Hearts (defeating Alloa Athletic)

Over 65s - Ayr Utd (defeating North Lanarkshire Council)

Over 70s - Stenhousemuir (defeating EKYM)

Peter Collins Fair Play Award – Raith Rovers

Winners were presented with their trophies and medals by CHSS CEO Jane-Claire Judson and patron, Rose Reilly MBE.

Walking Football Scotland would like to thank the following for their support: AlphaMed Scotland, AudioCP, Darren Catering Services, Glasgow Life, Derek Anderson, Phil Dawson, Referees and WFS Regional Reps.

Club News

We at WFS always enjoying good new stories about our clubs across the country and this week is no different.

Past and present members of Tweedvale WFC and special guests gathered together at The Green Tree Hotel in Peebles to celebrate the club’s 10th anniversary. A great opportunity to meet together to share stories and memories from the past and look forward to the future!

The committee decided to award Honorary Life Membership to the 3 original founders of the club, Colin Macdonald, John Blair and Findlay Ferguson and all 3 were presented with certificates to commemorate their achievements by their special guest former footballer and coach Steven Maclean.

 They were also delighted to officially launch the club’s first website with special thanks to Andrew Sharpe the designer and it can be found here - https://tweedvalewfc.wordpress.com/

Elsewhere in the country, there have been festivals including the annual Tranent Cup, played by 6 teams and Hearts running out winners and then in the South West, KA Leisure organised an 8 team festival after the passing of one of their walking footballers after a short illness, with the ‘Stevie Smith Memorial Festival’. A fitting tribute to his memory and Carrick WFC went on to win the festival pictured below with the trophy presented by Stevie’s wife and daughter.

And finally, 3 teams from Linlithgow Rose Ladies travelled down to take part in the annual Blackpool Tournament, with one team finishing runners up to winners Bolton Arena.

Well done Ladies and all of our clubs!

ka leisure

hearts

tweedvale

linlithgow rose

WFS O60's East Premiership & Championship

The O60’s East Premiership and Championship returned today at Oriam National Performance Centre for Round 2 of matches on Thursday 13th June.

An impressive 3 wins for Hearts 56’ see them go top at the half way point of the Premiership season whereas in the Championship, it was a great day for Dunfermline Dynamos, going top as they narrowly lead Stenhousemuir 95’ on goal difference.

We thank all teams, regional reps, referees and players for a good day in Edinburgh.