WFS O60's East Premiership & Championship

The WFS Over 60’s East of Scotland League resumed today at Oriam for an action-packed Round 2, with fresh twists in both the Premiership and Championship standings as teams battle for mid-season supremacy.

In the Premiership, it's all change at the summit. Oriam 2025 have surged ahead to take the top spot, sitting three points clear of Dunfermline Dynamos, and impressively maintaining their unbeaten record so far this season. Their consistency and clinical finishing have made them the team to watch as the league edges toward the second half.

Over in the Championship, it's a similar story of dominance. North Lanarkshire Council continue to lead the pack, also unbeaten and now five points ahead of second-placed Hibernian CF.

As Round 2 concludes, the league heads into its mid-season break, offering players and fans alike a moment to rest and recharge. But the action is far from over — excitement is already building for Round 3, which is scheduled to take place on Friday, 12th September, back at Oriam.

We thank our WFS Regional Reps for all their organisation and lead today and look forward to welcoming everyone again for what promises to be another thrilling round of walking football.

Club News

We have had a busy past month and delighted to share club news as we celebrating progress, inclusion, and community around the country.

Central Region Ladies Trials – Building the Future

Regional club trials continued this month, with a special focus on the women’s game in the Central Region. The session was held under the watchful eyes of Manager Claire McCosh and Assistant Ritchie Currie-Jenkins, who were impressed with the talent and enthusiasm on show. These trials are a key step in strengthening the pathway for women in walking football – and it’s fantastic to see the game continue to grow in all areas.

Friendlies Foster Community Spirit

One of the joys of walking football is the friendships and connections made along the way. Recently, Stenhousemuir and Carnoustie Panmure led by example, hosting friendly matches and welcoming each other into their sessions. It’s always great to see clubs embracing the social side of the sport and supporting each other through shared playing opportunities.

New Women’s Session in Kirkcudbright

The women’s game continues to go from strength to strength, and we’re delighted to announce a new session in Kirkcudbright, led by Cindy Halliday.
📍 Venue: St Mary’s Park, Kirkcudbright
🕖 Time: Mondays at 7:00pm
A warm welcome awaits all women interested in taking part – whether you're new to the game or a returning player, this is a great opportunity to get involved.

New Club in Newtongrange

A new walking football group has launched at Newtongrange Star, helping expand access to the game in Midlothian.
📍 Venue: New Victoria Park Astro, Newtongrange
🕛 Time: Tuesdays at 1pm
This daytime session is ideal for anyone looking to stay active, meet new people, and enjoy the beautiful game at a slower pace.

Club Sponsorship Success

We’re incredibly grateful to local businesses stepping up to support the walking football community.

• Ogilvie Homes has lent support to Stirling Albion Walking Football.

• Bella Vita is now proudly sponsoring Pollok Utd Walking Football.

These partnerships are vital in helping clubs with kit, equipment, and opportunities – thank you for investing in the health and wellbeing of your local communities!

Charity Efforts from Stranraer WF

A special shout-out goes to Stranraer Walking Football, who recently presented a £100 cheque to Robert Bruce in support of his fundraising for the Anthony Nolan Trust and CHAS (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland).
This is yet another brilliant example of how our clubs go beyond the pitch to make a real impact in people’s lives. Well done to everyone involved!

Kenny McLean Joins 'Changing Lives' Q&A

Walking Football Scotland President Kenny McLean recently took part in a Q&A session for the ‘Changing Lives’ alumni network.
He shared insights on how walking football promotes inclusivity and creates lasting positive change for participants across Scotland. Kenny’s continued advocacy is helping shine a light on the wider benefits of the sport – thank you for representing our community so well!

As always – thank you to every volunteer, player, coach, and supporter helping walking football grow across Scotland.

saints kirkcudbright women

newtongrange star

o40’s women’s regional trials

o50’s women’s regional trials

pollok utd

stirling albion

stenhousemuir & carnoustie panmure

stranraer

Player of the Month (April) - Dot Low & Graham Robertson

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We’re keeping up with our monthly spotlight on Walking Football Scotland Players of the Month in partnership with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.

For April the Walking Football Scotland Women’s Player of the Month is Dot Low! Dot, 60, plays with Midlothian Ladies.

Walking Football Scotland Men’s Player of the Month is Graham Robertson! Graham, 67, plays with Fife Wanderers.

Congratulations Dot and Graham! They shared their reflections on what walking football means to them.

Why did you get involved in walking football?

Dot: “I got involved with walking football as my mum had just passed away and I need something to get me out and replace that time.”

Graham: “I had been out of football, 5s and 7s, for 5 years or so after an injury and was invited to a come and see walking football by a friend. I watched for 10 minutes thinking “hmmmm slow, looks too easy” but when I went along the next week to take part, I totally changed my mind. I’d found football again and I have played ever since. Good exercise twice a week at least, good but friendly competition at every level and great friends made with weekly banter to look forward to.”

What positive impact has walking football had on your life?

Dot: “It has been an amazing change in my life and taken me all the way back to my childhood. It has been great playing the sport that I love and being part of a special group of ladies.”

Graham: “I didn’t really have an exercise regime and walking football has given me a decent fitness level which has helped all round whether walking, DIY and cycling. Also the friendships I have made amongst local and competition people has been amazing and I am very grateful for this on a personal level. I also organise things for my club and although it’s a big task, I realised I missed this business involvement after I’d retired. It’s good to chat and a joke with everyone and help or be helped whether it’s a small matter or otherwise.”

What would you say to encourage others to come along?

Dot: “Come along and keep fit, meet new friends, play a sport that is for all ages, inclusive and part of a group that people look out for you and can help and support you when struggling in life.”

Graham: “I would say that it is a great way to meet new friends and have a regular weekly get together with them. Also it’s a decent way to get fitter and maintain a reasonable level of fitness that suits the person. Also it gets you out of the house and the wife also encourages it…”

WFS SCOTTISH CUP & FESTIVAL 2025 - DRAW

Draw Completed for 2025 WFS Scottish Cup Sponsored by Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland

The excitement is building as the draw for the 2025 WFS Scottish Cup and Festival, proudly sponsored by Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS), was officially completed yesterday at our National Stadium, Hampden Park. WFS President Kenny McLean and CHSS Chief Operating Officer Allan Cowie had the honour of conducting the draw, setting the stage for a thrilling day of football ahead.

This year's tournament will once again take place at Glasgow Green Football Centre on Saturday 7th June 2025, offering players the unforgettable opportunity to be part of the biggest one day walking football event in the world!

Speaking at the draw, WFS President Kenny McLean said, "We are incredibly excited for this year’s Scottish Cup, and are grateful once again to the sponsorship from CHSS. The draw has given us some fantastic match-ups, and we can't wait to see everyone competing in the spirit of friendship and competition."

Allan Cowie added, "Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is proud to support this fantastic event once again. Promoting health and active lifestyles is at the heart of what we do, and we look forward to a memorable day at Glasgow Green."

Information booklets will be sent out to clubs in due course, with everything they need to know for the day itself.

We wish you all the very best for what will be once again the biggest one day walking football event in the world!

***Please note - information about the Parkinson’s Scottish Cup will be announced soon.***

WFS ANNUAL MEMBERS MEETING - MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT

As I enter my final term as President of Walking Football Scotland, it was an honour to present my report on the activities of the charity in the past year. It was wonderful to see so many club representatives join us at Hampden Park for our AMM, most of whom had earlier joined us for the Scottish Cup & Festival draw conducted by myself and Alan Cowie of Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland. The outcome of the draw will be released on here as soon as Matt Ramsay has prepared it.

I thank all the aforesaid club representatives for their attendance today and for their valued contribution during discussions in the final item on the agenda.

I also want to convey my sincere gratitude to my fellow Trustees and our Regional Representatives for their hard work and endeavour towards maintaining, improving & promoting the physical, mental & social wellbeing benefits of older adults through walking football.

Finally, I look forward to welcoming the 92 clubs that will participate in the WFS Scottish Cup & Festival 2025 on 7 June, making it, once again, the biggest one-day walking football event in the world and I wish everyone in the Walking Football Scotland family all the very best and please stay safe, healthy & active.

Yours in walking football,

Kenny McLean, President

28 April 2025

***Please note as part of today’s AMM - all trustees whom were up for re-election have indeed been re-elected.***

WFS O60's East Premiership & Championship

The WFS O60’s East of Scotland Premiership and Championship return for Round 2 on Friday, 2nd May, with all the action taking place at Oriam National Performance Centre.

In the Premiership, it's all to play for after a thrilling opening round, which saw three teams locked together on the same points. Oriam 2025 will be looking to try and take advantage as they face crucial back-to-back fixtures against Hearts 56 and Dunfermline Dynamos. With the standings so tight, every goal and every point will be vital in shaping the early title race.

Meanwhile, in the Championship, North Lanarkshire Council will be aiming to build on a strong start after going unbeaten in Round 1. However, their path won’t be easy as they open Round 2 with tough matches against second-placed Hibs and third-placed Tweedvale. Both challengers will be eager to close the gap and upset the early leaders.

We wish all the teams the very best of luck as they continue their journeys in what is shaping up to be an exciting season across both divisions!

WFS Scottish Cup & Festival Draw - Monday 28th April

Excitement is building across the walking football community as the countdown begins to the Walking Football Scotland Scottish Cup and Festival, set to take place on Saturday 7th June at the Glasgow Green Football Centre. Once again proudly sponsored by Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, this year's event promises to be the biggest yet with 92 teams taking part and this event continues to be the biggest 1 day walking football event in the world!

The day will feature a wide range of competitions across multiple categories:

• Men’s Over 50s

• Men’s Over 60s

• Men’s Over 65s

• Men’s Over 70s

• Women’s Over 40s

• Women’s Over 50s

• Mixed Over 40s Non-Competitive Festival

• And for the first time ever – the Parkinson’s Scottish Cup

This landmark addition underlines Walking Football Scotland’s continued commitment to accessibility, health, and inclusion for all.

In the run-up to the tournament, the official live draw will take place at our National Stadium, Hampden Park on Monday 28th April at 11:00am. Clubs are warmly invited to attend what promises to be a lively and enjoyable morning, as the path to Scottish Cup glory is unveiled.

If your club plans to attend, please confirm by emailing: treasurer@walkingfootballscotland.org.

The Annual Members' Meeting (AMM) will also follow at 1:00pm, and all member clubs are encouraged to stay and take part.

Walking Football Scotland looks forward to welcoming teams, players, supporters, and guests to Glasgow Green on 7th June – a celebration of sport, health, and community.

WFS O65's East Premiership

The WFS O65’s East Premiership kicked off Round 2 in style today at the Oriam National Performance Centre. North Lanarkshire Council came out firing, securing another impressive run of 3 straight wins to push themselves 4 points clear at the top of the table.

Hot on their heels are Hearts and Alloa Athletic, but it was North Lanarkshire’s clinical form that stole the headlines as they opened up breathing room in an otherwise tightly packed race. With only 3 points separating the next 4 teams, the chase for those coveted top 3 Champions League spots is heating up fast.

It’s all to play for, and the drama is only just beginning. We look forward to welcoming teams back for more action when the O65’s East Premiership resumes at Oriam on 22nd August.

WFS O65's West Premiership

The action returned to Toryglen today as the WFS O65’s West Premiership resumed and it didn’t disappoint. League leaders Pollok Utd wasted no time in reasserting their dominance, notching up another 3 straight wins to stretch their lead at the top of the table to 5 points.

Their consistency continues to set the standard, but the battle behind them is shaping up to be one of the tightest yet. With just 3 points separating the next five teams, the fight for the coveted top 3 Champions League spots is wide open. Every match is starting to feel like a cup final, as sides jostle for position in what promises to be a thrilling second half of the campaign.

We now look ahead to 15th August when the Premiership returns once again to Toryglen. Teams will be eager to pick up where they left off, with everything still to play for as the season heads into its decisive stages.

Support Mags Muir

For several years, Carnoustie have been led/co-ordinated by Mags Muir who is a former recipient of the WFS Arthur Duncan Award for the outstanding work that she does.

Unfortunately, Mags was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and has had surgery, but now faces 16 doses of chemotherapy.

In preparation for this, Mags has decided to have her head shaved, but do it for her chosen charity - Tayside Cancer Support.

Please visit Mags Just Giving Page where you can make a personal donation clicking here

WFS Attend Inspiring Parkinson’s UK Reception at Scottish Parliament

Walking Football Scotland was proud to be represented at the Scottish Parliament tonight, as trustee Matt Ramsay attended Parkinson’s UK’s ‘Get Active, Get Creative’ reception. The event celebrated the transformative power of physical activity and creativity in the lives of people living with Parkinson’s, and provided a platform to share the remarkable progress being made across Scotland.

Matt Ramsay joined guests, Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), and partners from across the health and wellbeing sector to highlight the positive impact of walking football. He also took the opportunity to share the good news about the work being done by Walking Football Scotland in partnership with Parkinson’s UK.

Among the special guests was former Scottish rugby legend Gavin Hastings, whose wife lives with Parkinson’s. Gavin’s presence and heartfelt support added a deeply personal and powerful dimension to the evening. His advocacy helped shine an even brighter spotlight on the importance of staying active, connected, and hopeful in the face of Parkinson’s.

It was also fantastic to see some of our own Parkinson’s walking footballers from Glasgow and Edinburgh in attendance, representing the spirit and success of the programme. Their presence was a brilliant reminder of the community that continues to grow through the power of sport. We were equally pleased to see staff from our valued partners at the Hibernian Community Foundation, who continue to support and deliver opportunities for people living with Parkinson’s.

The reception was a powerful reminder of how movement-based initiatives like walking football can not only improve physical health, but also foster connection, confidence, and joy among participants.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our partners Parkinson’s UK, and to Scotland Director James Jopling, for hosting such a meaningful and inspiring event. Their ongoing commitment to promoting activity and wellbeing in the Parkinson’s community is making a real difference.

Walking Football Scotland encourages anyone living with Parkinson’s to come along to their nearest Parkinson’s walking football session. Whether you’ve played football before or are just looking to get active and meet others, you’ll find a warm welcome and plenty of support.

Together, we’re changing lives—one step, one game, and one smile at a time.

Scone Visit Hampden Park

Scone Walking Football Club were the latest team to enjoy our fantastic partnership between the Scottish Football Museum and Hampden Park Stadium Tours, as they visited the National Stadium today for an unforgettable experience.

The team enjoyed an exciting 7-a-side match on the Hampden pitch, which ended in an entertaining 3-3 draw. The players were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the home of Scottish football — touring the dressing rooms, exploring the museum’s rich collection of memorabilia, and walking out the famous players’ tunnel before taking their seats in the dugout, soaking in the atmosphere ahead of this weekend’s Scottish Cup action.

A special thanks goes to our regional representatives Mike Cranston and Ian Duncan — also part of the Scone WFC setup — for the tremendous work they continue to do in promoting and developing walking football across the east of the country. Their dedication and passion play a vital role in growing the game and providing opportunities for players to stay active and connected through football.

It was a day full of fun, football, and fantastic memories — a great example of what this unique partnership can offer to walking football clubs across Scotland.

Club News - April!

🏆 Glasgow Trophy Delivers Five Days of Fantastic Football

The Glasgow Trophy, hosted at Toryglen, brought together an incredible five days of walking football action. A total of 124 teams from all over the UK took part, showcasing the sport's growing popularity and community spirit. With over 1,200 players involved, the event was a massive success. A huge congratulations to all the winners and participants who made the tournament so memorable.

🤝 Local Sponsorship Boosts Club Ambitions

Clubs continue to benefit from fantastic local business support:

• Scone WFC has partnered with Stagecoach as they gear up to represent Scotland in an international competition in Austria.

• Meanwhile, Whitletts Victoria Women have received stylish new strips and kit, kindly sponsored by The Bell Rock Bar.

It’s great to see the community backing these teams as they continue to grow and compete.

🔍 Regional Trials Heat Up in the North East

The road to regional team selection continues, with the North East Over-65s holding successful trials in Glenrothes. The sessions have been competitive and full of talent, giving selectors a tough but exciting challenge ahead of upcoming fixtures.

🐣 Dundee East CSC Give Back at Easter

Dundee East CSC once again showed their commitment to the local community by collecting and distributing Easter eggs for children in the area. Their generosity brought plenty of smiles over the holiday and highlighted the club’s ongoing dedication to making a positive impact off the pitch.

WFS O65's West Premiership

The WFS O65’s West of Scotland League resumes on Friday 25th April, with Round 2 action set to unfold at Toryglen Regional Football Centre in Glasgow.

Pollok Utd head into the second round full of confidence, sitting proudly at the top of the table after securing maximum points in Round 1. With momentum firmly on their side, they’ll be aiming to continue their unbeaten run and strengthen their position at the summit.

But Round 2 presents a busy and testing schedule for the early pacesetters, who are set to face Largs, Motherwell, and Giffnock North across what promises to be an action-packed day of football. Each opponent will be keen to halt Pollok’s charge and make their own move up the standings.

With the table still in its formative stages, every point is crucial—and fixtures could go a long way in shaping the title race.

We wish all teams all the very best!

WFS O65's East Premiership

Friday 25th April marks the return of the WFS O65’s East of Scotland League as Round 2 gets underway at the Oriam National Performance Centre in Edinburgh.

Following an exciting opening round, North Lanarkshire Council and Alloa Athletic sit joint top of the table, level on points and momentum as they aim to strengthen their hold at the summit. Both teams showcased impressive form in Round 1, but the path ahead promises to be far from straightforward—especially for Alloa Athletic.

Alloa face a tough double challenge in Round 2 as they come up against current third-placed Hearts and fourth-placed Linlithgow Rose. With both sides within striking distance of the top, these fixtures are expected to be fiercely contested and could prove pivotal in shaping the early league standings.

North Lanarkshire Council will be looking to capitalise on any slip-ups from their co-leaders while continuing their own strong start.

With several clubs already making strong statements and others eager to climb the table, Round 2 promises to deliver plenty of drama, intensity, and high-quality football.

We wish teams all the very best!