WFS O60's East Premiership & Championship

The WFS O60’s East Premiership and Championship concludes on Thursday 5th September at Oriam National Performance Centre.

In the Premiership, Hearts 56’ have one hand on the trophy, with 7 points ahead and only 3 games to play, 1 win will secure the title. We have a battle for top 3 Champions League spots with Alloa Athletic, Dundee East and Linlithgow Rose all fighting for only 2 spots available and then at the bottom, only 3 points separate 3 clubs with it all still to play for.

In the Championship, Oriam - White are currently top however only 4 points separate the top 5 clubs with 2 promotion places up for grabs, we are sure to be in for an exciting day in the capital.

We wish all teams all the very best!

Player of the Month (August) - Kenny Nairn & Helen Wilson

We’re keeping up with our monthly spotlight on Walking Football Scotland Players of the Month! 

For August the Walking Football Scotland Women’s Player of the Month is Helen Wilson! Helen, 60, plays with Three Valleys Women.

Walking Football Scotland Men’s Player of the Month is Kenny Nairn! Kenny, 64, plays with Drumchapel United.

Congratulations Helen and Kenny! They shared their reflections on what Walking Football means to them.

Why did you get involved in walking football?

Helen: “I absolutely love football. I played for a ladies team 40 yrs ago, I still play recreational football with guys, we were looking to increase our numbers, so I was scrolling social media to see where we could post adverts, that’s when I came across Three Valleys. I couldn’t believe it, a ladies team and just a few miles up the road. I went along to training unsure of what walking football was about, I need not have worried, I was met by the coach who explained all, I was made very welcome, everyone was very friendly and helpful.”

Kenny: “I wanted to play football again but thought that I was too old, unfit and wouldn’t be able to keep up with younger people.

I tried once playing a 8 a side game with my sons in their 30s and their pals and it quickly became apparent that I wasn’t able to compete and needed to find something that was more suitable.”

What positive impact has walking football had on your life?

Helen: “I feel I’m now very active, my physical fitness has improved, I eat healthier, it has improved my mental wellbeing. Coach has taught me that its not all about winning, taking part is much more important, I now understand and appreciate this more.”

Kenny: “I found walking football through a pal who played and I took part in a few games and quickly began to really enjoy it and now play 3 times a week if I can. I had a heart attack 5 years ago and had an unhealthy lifestyle; smoker, poor diet and no exercise. However I no longer smoke, eat better and I’m fitter than I was when I was in my 30s due to walking football.”

What would you say to encourage others to come along?

Helen: “It allows you to switch off from your hectic life and everyday stresses. When I step into training I feel like that 20 year old, it’s a great feeling. The banter is great ,we have lots of fun and laughter, coming along will help your confidence grow and feel involved and appreciated. I have gained lots of friends at training and at games. What I like is that Walking Football continues to grow. Come along and have a go you will love it. I am Living The Dream.”

Kenny: “I would encourage anyone to try walking football if you enjoy football but are wary of the level. Take it at your own pace and if it’s not for you then there’s been no harm in trying. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it!”

Club News - August

The formation of our WFS Regional Teams have been taking shape and we will soon be announcing who has been successful making it into squads after selections and trials.

The past week the West O65’s & O70’s squads met for their first friendly against each other and an opportunity for players to get to know each other ahead of the Regional Cup next month as well as a further trial for the North East O60’s in Dundee.

The Ayr Utd O70’s were proudly showing off a cup double after they were successful in scooping both the Glasgow Life, Glasgow Cup and Glasgow Trophy this year and then gents were invited on to the patch at Somerset park to take their applause.

Annan Athletic have been delighted to be the recipients of new kit bags, and Regional Rep Claire McCosh had a good evening at Syngenta WF as they look at various ways to continue to grow numbers at their sessions. (Tuesday, 6.45pm @ Grangemouth High School)

Well done all!

WFS O40's & O50's National Women's Leagues

This Sunday we are back at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility, Wishaw for the return the National Women’s O40’s & O50’s Leagues.

Scottish Cup champions, Braehead top the O40’s Premiership currently with Linlithgow Rose only 2 points behind whereas in the Championship, Three Valleys Women will be looking to continue their unbeaten run at the top, however R FFIT are only 1 point behind too.

The Over 50’s Premiership sees Braehead - Reds unbeaten and 5 points clear currently and will look at building on that ahead of the final month of fixtures in November.

We look forward in welcoming you all on Sunday to Ravenscraig!

WFS O65's West Premiership

The WFS O65’s competitive league season recommenced today in the West of Scotland at Toryglen Regional Football Centre.

Although dropping points to challengers, Ayr Utd, North Lanarkshire Council remain on the top spot 6 points clear although Ayr Utd have a game in hand.

Townhead Strollers will be frustrated today, having dropped 4 points after 2 draws but are still in the hunt with only 1 month’s fixtures remaining.

We thank all teams, players and referees for today and look forward in welcoming you all back for the final day of the season on Wednesday 30th October.

WFS O65's East Premiership

The WFS O65’s competitive league season recommenced today in the capital at Oriam National Performance Centre.

Alloa Athletic’s lead at the top has been cut to only 2 points with Linlithgow Rose and then Fife Wanderers all in with a shout of becoming champions.

We thank all teams, players and referees for a good day of walking football in Edinburgh and look forward in seeing you all for the final day of the season on Monday 7th October to see who will be crowned champions.

O65's WEST PREMIERSHIP

The WFS O65’s competitive league season recommences on Wednesday 21st August in the West of Scotland at Toryglen Regional Football Centre.

North Lanarkshire Council currently occupy the top spot having only lost 1 match so far this season, however Townhead Strollers are only 5 points behind and Pollok Thistle 6points but also have a game in hand.

We wish all teams the very best for a good day of walking football and please see below a list of fixtures for next Wednesday.

O65's EAST PREMIERSHIP

The WFS O65’s competitive league season recommences on Monday 19th August in the capital at Oriam National Performance Centre.

Alloa Athletic currently occupy the top spot having only lost 1 match so far this season, however Linlithgow Rose CFC whom are unbeaten are only 3 points behind and will be keen to close the gap on Monday.

We wish all teams the very best for a good day of walking football and please see below a list of fixtures for next Monday.

Sponsorship

Walking Football Scotland – Regional Cups - Can you help us?

Walking Football Scotland is a volunteer led charity with no paid employees and we are reaching out to you to ask for your help and support.

As part of our business plan, we currently pushing forward with the development of WFS Regional Teams and as part of this a Regional Cup competition has been created to allow these teams to compete against one another.

Business Engagement with Walking Football Scotland

With this in mind, Walking Football Scotland look to offer commercial organisations the opportunity to become involved in delivering our aims and objectives for walking football across Scotland, encouraging men (over 50) and women (over 40), to improve, maintain and promote the physical, mental and social wellbeing through walking football.

A series of Regional Cup competitions have been created and we are looking for businesses who would be interested in supporting us in the delivery of these events with dates as follows: 

2024 Regional Cups:  Diary of events

• Sunday 15th September - Men’s O50’s & Women’s O40’s and O50’s (Ravenscraig)

• Friday 11th October - Men’s O60’s (Toryglen)

• Wednesday 2nd October - Men’s O65’s (Toryglen)

• Monday 9th September - Men’s O70’s (Oriam)

Business Partnership packages available

Current options include: 

• Nationwide and Age Group Sponsorship

• Opportunity to have marketing/branding around pitches/venues as well as sharing marketing material from sponsor to all Walking Football clubs in Scotland.

• Sponsor representative alongside former pro footballers presenting trophy and medals with Trophies having sponsored ribbons.

• Branded Equipment and promotional items

• Opportunity to be part of the promotion of the physical, mental and social wellbeing of participants in walking football.

• Continual brand sharing on social media channels and website

• Opportunity to sponsor the fastest growing sport in Europe

  What Walking Football Scotland offer

In return for commercial support Walking Football Scotland can offer the following:

• Opportunity to create a partnership with an exciting new sport.

• Initial media launch to promote partnership.

• Banners, point of sale and information points at WFS events.

• Branding and link on WFS website.

• Branding included on WFS printed material.

• Corporate logo on WFS website and social media channels.

• Create regular promotional messages on social media that includes Facebook, X, LinkedIn, e-newsletter and website.

• Promotional offers to Members

• Any other reasonable requests

 How to become a partner of Walking Football Scotland

Walking Football Scotland is currently preparing a comprehensive Business Plan and would be delighted to conduct a short meeting with your organisation to determine your own objectives. 

 A customised proposal can be developed to meet both organisation’s objectives.

 Please contact - Gordon McAllister, Treasurer, Walking Football Scotland

 treasurer@walkingfootballscotland.org

Club News

Walking Football has proved to be ‘More than Football’ and many of our clubs witness that on a weekly basis.

When Raith Rovers Walking Football heard that the Children’s Ward at Victoria Hospital’s treasure chest was running low, they walked quickly into action. With money from their charity fund and £300 from a Monday night collection, local and online shops were raided for PlayDoh, Worry Monsters, and other toys and gifts.

The goodies were handed over to Corina Mutch, Health Play Worker, at the Children’s Ward by Stephen MaCrimmon and Willie Carroll.

Corina said, “Our treasure boxes get used every day  for children that come in for surgery, getting bloods taken and other procedures.  Every child gets a gift before going home.  Thanks again to everyone involved, we really appreciate your continued support.”

Willie Carroll, RRWF, commented, “This is the kind of cause we set up our charity fund for. The response from the guys to an additional collection at our weekly session while generous is not really surprising to those who know them.”

Over in Ayrshire, KA Leisure commenced their first Parkinson’s Walking Football session with funding and training support from ourselves and Parkinsons UK.

12 participants attended the first week with even more booked in for the following and we look forward in seeing the progress over the next number of weeks and months.

In Dunbar, the players were going through defibrillator training and getting back to the football, Ayr Utd became champions of the O70’s Glasgow Cup where 12 teams competed at Toryglen Regional Football Centre, hosted by Glasgow Life.

And finally, for reps Ian Duncan and Mike Cranston, they had a ball out in their recent visit to Jeanfield Swifts and it was great to see so many welcome continuing to enjoy the game! Well done!

WFS O50's West Premiership & Championship

The WFS competitive league season recommenced at Ravenscraig, Wishaw today for the second half of the season of the O50’s West Premiership & Championship.

In the Premiership, Giffnock SC Auld Timers are now 2 points clear but it’s still tight with only 3 points separating the top 4 and its also not over at the bottom of the table as 3 teams fight their way to avoid the drop.

In the Championship, Carrick WFC extended their lead and their impressive league form winning their 3 games again today and now although not mathematically impossible take 1 massive step forward in becoming Champions with only 2 games remaining and 5 points clear.

We thank all teams, referees and regional rep Bobby McDonald for all their support today and look forward in welcoming you back on Sunday 6th October for the final round of matches.

WFS O50's East Premiership & Championship

The WFS competitive league season recommenced for the second half of the season today in at The RPC Dundee for the O50’s East Premiership & Championship.

It’s all change the Premiership, with Dundee East top however only 3 points separate the top 4 spots. It’s also tight at the bottom with only 4 points separating the rest of the teams from those 2 relegation positions with all still to play for going into the final round of fixures in October.

In the Championship, the first game saw Forfar1298 defeat Carnoustie Panmure and therefore go 3 points clear at the top as well as continuing an impressive league season winning all their matches so far.

With thank all teams, referees and in particular Regional Reps David Callaghan and Jenny Hammond for all their support today and look forward in welcoming you all back for the final round of fixture on 27th October.

Club News

Our clubs have been getting back to weekly session normality after the summer break, but many still taking part in local festivals and competitions.

Giffnock SC Auld Timers were picking up more silverware this past month, with securing Trophy victory at the Dumbarton FC Festival. The home organisers were also winners of the Plate, and over £1k was raised for the Fortune Works charity who work with adults with learning difficulties in Drumchapel, Glasgow.

Our own RLO Simon McLean continues to deliver a special WF Festival in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Trust and this event held at Nethercraigs, Pollok saw 13 teams take part within O50’s, O60’s and recreational categories. Saint Anthony’s were winners in the O50’s category and Drumchapel UTD - JN Electrics were victorious in the O60’s category.

Speaking about the event Simon said: “Yet again I was caught by surprise at the power of sport, especially our beautiful game that is Walking Football. 

When like minded people congregate for a common purpose, in the right spirit, determined to maximise the opportunity to play our game and compete with each other in a spirit of friendship, anything is truly possible.

We even managed a recreational game that was open to all, just for the fun of it, and this game lasted almost 2 hours, with players dropping in and out as they felt.

Our game is a catalyst for so much that is good in our communities, the real winners were our wonderful charity the CF Trust, who continue to strive for people living with this illness to live full lives, and all of us who got to play a part in what was a heart warming and fun day.”

Braehead Ladies were also picking up silverware again as they celebrated their own 40th Anniversary with a Women’s WF Festival. Their own team were victorious in the final defeating Linlithgow Rose.

Raith Rovers Walking Football are inviting all walking footballers to the John Cunningham Memorial Festival again this year with the event taking place at Starks Park, Kirkcaldy from 12-3 on Sunday 1st September. This event is open to all and if you're interested, individual player spaces are £8 per head and can be booked by emailing charlesdoherty63@btinternet.com with your name and position.

And finally, it has been exciting times up in Moray & Speyside as the group proudly show off their new tops and are certainly looking the part with sponsors ScrubVac.

Congratulations to all teams!

WFS O50's West Premiership & Championship

The WFS competitive league season recommences for the second half of the season on Sunday 11th August at Ravenscraig for the O50’s West Premiership & Championship.

In the Premiership, Motherwell and Giffnock SC Auld Timers are joint top closely followed by Pollok Utd and Saint Anthony’s and in the Championship, Carrick WFC will be looking to pick up where they left off with an impressive 6 wins out of 6 topping the league at the half way point.

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

WFS O50's East Premiership & Championship

The WFS competitive league season recommences for the second half of the season on Sunday 11th August in Dundee for the O50’s East Premiership & Championship.

We have a Sunday of top of the table clashes which could have a big say in where the trophies end up. In the Premiership, Hearts take on Raith Rovers in the final game on Sunday with the latter only 1 point behind, whereas in the Championship, the first game sees Carnoustie Panmure take on Forfar1298 with both clubs currently joint top with 18 points.

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