Club News - October

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It’s been a busy few weeks for our clubs with various activities both on and off the pitch.

In Glasgow, it was a trip to the classroom as Glasgow Life coaches and players from Drumchapel Utd and Pollok Utd attended a workshop about Suicide Awareness and timely reminder that its good to talk.

It was a ‘day out’ for KA Leisure as they joined Largs for a friendly match at the renowned Inverclyde Sports Centre - an important opportunity of friendship through sport!

We are down to our final Regional Cup event with men’s over 60’s category on Friday 11th October at Toryglen and it was the North East Region who were getting their last minute preparations in as they met for the last time under management of John McDonald and Steve Ross.

And finally, it was off to sunnier climes for Ayr Utd, Sauchie and Stenhousemuir as they took part in the 9th Algarve Walking Football Cup at Browns Sports Resort - Vilamoura.

Team bonding, friendships made and some walking football - what else could you want!? Well done to all teams and we are delighted you all made it back in one piece (including our President!).

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CHSS FUNDRAISING MONTH

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𝗖𝗛𝗦𝗦 - 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵

We’re delighted to be teaming up with all our clubs throughout this month of October to raise vital funds for our charity partners, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland

Your club has the whole month of October to think of fun and creative ways 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.

We would love for all clubs to get involved and support this well worth cause and charity partner and please feel free to get in touch to let us know how much you have raised and share picture and info on your organised events.

All money raised is being collated through our justgiving page below - https://www.justgiving.com/page/wfs-chss-2024?msockid=2424f6f7bbd66ee839c5e439baf16fcb

WFS O65's Regional Cup - West Champions

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The O65’s Regional Cup kicked off at Toryglen Regional Football Centre, Glasgow today with the 5 regional teams keen to become inaugural O65’s champions.

All matches were of high intensity and competitiveness but it was the West Region who came out on top and undefeated to become Champions!

We thank all players, teams and referees for a great afternoon and once again congratulate West Region under management, Eric Dunion and Kris McKinnon for the first O65’s Regional Cup victory.

Photos - photosbyphild

SCOTTISH WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SPORT WEEK

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This week we support the Active Scotland, ‘Scottish Women & Girls In Sport Week’ as we celebrate women walking footballers across the country and are encouraged to see the continual growth of game.

Through increasing visibility and role models, in particular our own patron Rose Reilly MBE who proved ‘#SheCanSheWill’, overcoming adversity to play the game she loved, we hope this encourages more women to get involved.

We thank all those women players, regional reps, referee and volunteers at local clubs who continue to support the grassroots game and competitions and look forward to another year of more women’s walking football in Scotland.

WFS O65's East Premiership

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The WFS O65’s East Premiership concludes on Monday 7th October at Oriam National Performance Centre.

Currently Alloa Athletic are top but face tricky matches against Linlithgow Rose and Fife Wanderers who are 2nd and 3rd respectively also in with a chance of being crowned champions.

We wish teams all the very best for what will be an exciting day in the capital!

WFS O50's West Premiership & Championship

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The O50’s West Premiership and Championship meets on Sunday 6th October for the final day of the season at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility.

Motherwell FC CT currently lead the way albeit Giffnock SC Auld Timers have a game in hand but it will be a very tight finish from all teams looking to lift the trophy and also finish in the top 3 securing Champions League football.

At the bottom, Dumbarton FC are relegated but can North Lanarkshire Council do ‘The Great Escape’ and avoid relegation? Only time will tell!

In the Championship, with 2 games remaining Carrick are 5 points clear with one hand on the trophy but face promotion challengers Glenafton Athletic in the first game which could either clinch the title or open things up for Saint Anthony’s - Green to pip them to the title in the final game.

We look forward in welcoming everyone back to Ravenscraig for what will be an exciting final day. We wish all teams all the very best!

Player of the Month (September) - Gordon Fenton & Kat Crone

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

For September, in partnership with CHSS, the Walking Football Scotland Women’s Player of the Month is Kat Crone! Kat, 59, plays with the Midlothian Ladies.

Walking Football Scotland Men’s Player of the Month is Gordon Fenton! Gordon, 64, plays with Ayr United.

Congratulations Kat and Gordon! They shared their reflections on what Walking Football means to them.

Why did you get involved in walking football?

Kat: “I had always been involved with football as my youngest son played and I was looking for a new exercise and way to get fit. I heard of walking football and decided to go along and give it a go. I have enjoyed it from the first night and never looked back.”

Gordon: “I had played football since primary school and played my last amateur game at the age of 53. A friend recommended walking football to me and to be honest I wasn’t sure about it. I went along to my first session and loved it, was a great feeling putting the gloves back on and getting involved in football again. You soon realise that competitive spirit never leaves you.”

What positive impact has walking football had on your life?

Kat: “Walking football has had a massive impact on my life. It has allowed me to gain confidence, enhance my physical/psychological wellbeing, become fitter, have fun and meet people I would never have met. My social life has improved, we travel to different areas, I have been abroad playing walking football. I train and play with the best ladies, we are a team on and off the pitch who support each other completely.”

Gordon: “I have met old football friends I hadn’t seen for years, also lots of new friends on and off the pitch.  Not just at the football but at social events held by the club. From a health point of view I feel fitter, not just from a physical sense but mentally as well. Although some will say as a goalkeeper you need to be a bit mental.”

What would you say to encourage others to come along?

Kat: “It may seem daunting trying to learn a new sport, go along and give it a go, the ladies are very welcoming and supportive from the beginner to experienced players. It will enhance your fitness level, have a laugh, leave feeling good and be good fun. Give it a go you’ve nothing to lose!”

Gordon: “It’s that old saying, don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. I would certainly tell them to try it at least once, you might just enjoy it and get hooked as I did. Who would’ve thought you can still play football at a competitive level in your 60’s and beyond.”

Club News

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Walking Football has changed the lives of so many people but the influence individuals have had on others gives us great joy in sharing in the recognition they deserve that it’s ‘More Than Football!’.

This was the case recently when Glasgow City were delighted to welcome one of their original Trailblazers, and Glasgow City's first ever Head Coach, Kath Kimmet to Petershill Park.

Kath joined them with her teammates from the Giffnock Soccer Centre Walking Football Team and was welcomed by their CEO, Laura Montgomery.

There has also been success for clubs taking part in recent competitions with Saints Kircudbright and Gretna 2008 coming out on top.

Saints Kirkcudbright were delighted to win the Glenafton Athletic event at Loch Park on Sunday 22nd September with the competition also including; Glenbuck & Douglas Valley, Drumchapel Utd, Carrick, Annan Athletic, Linlithgow Rose and hosts Glenafton Athletic.

Further South, Gretna 2008 were also picking up trophies with winning on penalties in the Runners Up fixture in the Cumberland Walking Football Cup.

For the past 3 years Glasgow Life have delivered a bespoke Dementia WF session at Toryglen, averaging 25+ participants every week from local care homes and family members bringing their loved ones. As part of this a special reminiscing session is delivered thereafter over a cuppa ensuring that all participants spend time together sharing in past memories with football as the catalyst.

And finally, the Algarve Walking Football Cup competition kicks off this weekend in Vilamoura and various clubs are off flying the flag for Scotland. We wish them all the very best!

If you have any news you wish to share with us, please get in touch and we would be more than happy to share.

WFS O65's Men's Regional Squad Announcement

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On Wednesday 2nd October we head to Toryglen Regional Football Centre for the Men’s O65’s Regional Cup.

Today, we are delighted to announce the first squads and congratulate all players who have been selected.

We thank those volunteer Regional Managers and Assistants for their hard work and wish you and your players all the very best!

WFS O70's West Premiership

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The O70’s West Premiership resumed today at Toryglen Regional Football Centre and North Lanarkshire Council still top the league.

They no longer have their unbeaten record however, as in the final match, EKYM walked out 1-0 winners with the gap at the top remaining 4 points after today’s results.

We thank all players, clubs, referees and regional rep Bobby McDonald for all their support today and look forward in welcoming you all back for the final league games on Wednesday 20th November.

WFS O40's Women's Regional Cup - North East Champions!

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The O40’s Women’s Regional Cup kicked off at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility, Wishaw today with the 4 regional teams keen to become inaugural champions.

All matches were of high intensity and competitiveness but it was the North East Region who came out on top and undefeated to become Champions!

We thank all players, teams and referees for a great afternoon and once again congratulate North East Region under management, David Callaghan and Jim Gilfeather for the first O40’s Women’s Regional Cup victory.

Photos - photosbyphild

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WFS O50's Regional Cup - West Champions

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The O50’s Regional Cup kicked off at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility, Wishaw today with the 5 regional teams keen to become inaugural champions.

All matches were of high intensity and competitiveness but it was the West Region who came out on top and undefeated to become Champions!

We thank all players, teams and referees for a great afternoon and once again congratulate West Region under management, John Campbell and Bobby McCrory for the first O50’s Regional Cup victory.

Photos - photosbyphild

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WFS O50's Women's Regional Cup - Central Champions!

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The O50’s Women’s Regional Cup kicked off at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility, Wishaw today with the 4 regional teams keen to become inaugural champions.

In this month, the 50th Anniversary of the ‘lifting of the ban’ on women’s football by the Scottish FA, we celebrate the women who played the game they love and congratulate all women who play walking football around the country.

It was the Central Region who came out on top, winning all 3 games to become Champions!

We thank all players, teams and referees for a great afternoon and once again congratulate West Region under management, Claire McCosh and Ritchie Currie-Jenkins for the first O50’s Women’s Regional Cup victory.

Photos - photosbyphild

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Club News - September

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There has been plenty going on for our clubs recently as well as friendlies for our Regional teams as they prepare for Regional events next month.

Edinburgh City are inviting all players along to World of Football, Chesser on Thursday 3rd October for a walking football festival as they raise money for charity partners, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.

If you wish to attend, get in touch with Billy Brown on 07855 538 146 to confirm for a mixed sides event.

Regional Reps Mike Cranston and Ian Duncan have been out and about visiting their local grassroots clubs and recently it was a trip to Crieff.

And finally, Rangers Charity Foundation recently held a special walking football festival as they also welcome former player, Gordon Durie. Eight teams entered and the overall winners of the day were the FFIT 4 Life team who beat the Walking Football Over 50’s A, side after a tense sudden death penalty shootout.

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