Player of the Month (February) - Anne Smith & Stuart Campbell

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

For February the Walking Football Scotland Women’s Player of the Month is Anne Smith! Anne, 64, plays with Jeanfield Swifts.

Walking Football Scotland Men’s Player of the Month is Stuart Campbell! Stuart, 68, plays with Oriam.

Congratulations Anne and Stuart! They shared their reflections on what Walking Football means to them.

Why did you get involved in walking football?

Anne: “I played football as a youngster with the boys but growing up in the 60s and early 70s I was not allowed to play competitively. Apart from the odd game of 5 a sides in my 20s and 30s, I never got the opportunity to develop in the sport I love. Then along came walking football in my 50s and changed my life!”

Stuart: “I got involved in Walking Football as an opportunity to get out of my house and socialise with others, as well as a chance to improve my physical and mental health.”

What positive impact has walking football had on your life?

Anne: “Walking football has had a massive positive impact on my life, the joy I get from playing my favourite sport, the new friends and memories I have made, it helps me keep fit into my 60s and the pride I get on playing for my team and enjoying our successes.”

Stuart: “Playing Walking Football has reduced the feelings of loneliness and depression. I have made so many new friends giving me a better outlook on life as well as improving my fitness.”

What would you say to encourage others to come along?

Anne: “I am always encouraging women I know and meet to give it a go, even if they haven’t kicked a ball before. I have seen so many women in our Jeanfield Swifts walking football group enjoy huge health and wellbeing benefits from participating in the sport. If in doubt find a local club, through Walking Football Scotland website and give it a go…it just might be the best decision you have ever made!”

Stuart: “You don’t have to be good at football or fit, everyone is welcome and part of the team!”

Club News - February

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Our clubs have had an exciting start to the year as they settle back into sessions, welcome new faces, growing their numbers and for some, taking part in competitions.

In the East, Dundee East CSC held a 10 team tournament at Street Soccer Scotland (Change Centre), sponsored by Quest Precision Engineering, which they became winners defeating Carnoustie Panmure in the final.

Ayr Utd ‘Strollers’ and Walking Footballers had a terrific day out at Hampden Park on The Grand Day Out Tour courtesy of their partnership with Stagecoach and the Scottish Football Museum & Hampden Stadium Tour.

They have also just commenced a new Dementia Walking Football session in partnership with Stagecoach who will be providing refreshments and travel information to participants of the clubs ‘Dementia Friendly Walking Football’ pilot sessions in which we wish them all the very best!

Earlier this year Rossvale were delighted to welcome SWPL Rangers and Scotland star Laura Berry as she came along to present awards at one of their sessions.

And finally, at the recent Street Soccer event it was great to see Dundee East’s John McGee present where he was able to chat to Hearts’ David Fairgrieve. David was the one who worked tirelessly saving John’s life when he collapsed and suffered a cardiac arrest during the O60’s Champions League event at Toryglen last December. Great to see John doing so well!

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗪𝗙𝗦 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱

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We are delighted to announce the appointment of Linsey Paton-Donaldson as she joins the Walking Football Scotland board.

WFS President Kenny McLean said: “Linsey brings a wealth of experience and passion for community sport, health, and well-being and has played a pivotal in supporting the growth of women’s walking football here in Scotland. She currently does a tremendous job in her role with Stenhousemuir Community Foundation as well as bringing the experience she has had on their board of trustees and her expertise will be invaluable in helping us grow and develop walking football across Scotland, ensuring more people can enjoy the physical and social benefits of the game.”

On becoming a trustee, Linsey responded: “The positive impact of Walking Football has been a constant motivation and inspiration for me, and I am delighted to bring my passion for improving lives through sport to the role as a WFS Trustee.”

Walking Football Scotland are delighted to welcome what we are sure to be a valuable asset and her experience will help us grow and develop the game in Scotland.

Join us as we welcome Linsey to the board.

WFS O50's East Premiership, Championship & Conference

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We kick off the competitive league season on Sunday 2nd March for O50’s East of Scotland leagues at Regional Performance Centre, Dundee.

Similarly to the West, it’s another first for Walking Football Scotland, where this year we see 3 divisions as we welcome so many new teams across the country.

Last year’s winners Dundee East CSC kick off with a tricky match against Oriam, whereas newly promoted champions Forfar WF commence their Premiership debut against Hearts.

In the Championship, relegated Linlithgow Rose CFC will be looking to bounce back to the Premiership but start with a tough match against Arbroath - Whites whilst Tayport - Reds first match is against Linlithgow Rose CFC in game 2.

And finally, in the new Conference league we are delighted to welcome new teams including: Fairfield MH, Fife Wanderers, Forfar North, Fort William and Letham Angus and wish them all the very best!

O65's WEST PREMIERSHIP

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We kicked off the O65’s competitive league season at Toryglen as we welcomed the O65’s West of Scotland league on Friday 14th February.

Previous winners Pollok Utd are top after today’s games but closely followed by Ayr Utd, Carrick WFC and Largs.

We thank all teams, players, and referees for all their support today and look forward to welcoming you all back in April.

WFS O65's East Premiership

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We kicked off the O65’s competitive league season at Oriam as we welcomed the O65’s East of Scotland league on Friday 7th February.

Last year’s winners Alloa Athletic are joint top alongside last year’s West 65’s Champions, North Lanarkshire Council who will be playing their football in the East of the country this season.

We thank all teams, players, referees and regional reps for all their support today and look forward to welcoming you all back in April.

Photos - Phil Dawson

oriam

dunbar

stenhousemuir

gala fairydean rovers

north lanarkshire council

dunfermline dynamos

alloa athletic

fife wanderers

stirling albion

tweedvale

hearts

oriam

linlithgow rose cfc

WFS SCOTTISH CUP & FESTIVAL 2025

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We are delighted to announce that our Scottish Cup and Festival 2025 to be played on Saturday 7th June, has once again been sponsored by 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁, 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 & 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗸𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 and entries are open!

CHSS are Scotland’s largest health charity working to help people with chest, heart and stroke conditions live life to the full and we look forward in welcoming them again to what is such a special day in the WFS calendar.

Teams can now enter by contacting competition@walkingfootballscotland.org to request an entry form which is also available to download here.

Categories available include:

Over 50’s

Over 60’s

Over 65’s

Over 70’s

Over 40’s Women’s

Over 50’s Women’s

Parkinson's

Over 40’s Mixed Non-Competitive Festival

We ask all clubs not delay in completing entry form and return to us ASAP to secure your clubs space as some categories are almost full already.

We are thoroughly looking forward as ever, to what we will be a fantastic day and we hope that your team will be able to join us.

O50's WEST PREMIERSHIP, CHAMPIONSHIP & CONFERENCE

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We kicked off the new competitive league season today with the O50’s West of Scotland leagues at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility.

We were delighted to welcome so many new teams to the O50’s category and we commenced the afternoon with a very competitive Premiership which sees last year’s League winners, Motherwell FC CT and Champions League winners, Pollok Utd joint top after 3 wins each.

In the Championship, Dumbarton who will be looking to go straight back up to the Premiership, and started off unbeaten and top of the league, closely followed by John Sutton CC and Glenafton Athletic.

And finally, for our new Conference League, its Motherwell FC who finish top today, 3 points clear of local rivals Motherwell Phoenix and WEBATA, who both do have a game in hand each.

We thank referees, regional reps and venue staff for all their support today.

Photos - Phil Dawson

townhead strollers

pollok utd

saint anthony’s

braehead fc

carrick wfc

motherwell fc ct

giffnock sc auld timers

Annual Survey Update - 31 January

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The Annual Survey has now been open for a few weeks and, to date, we have received almost 75 responses from the length and breadth of the country.

It would also appear that we may have been underestimating those playing walking football across Scotland too, if the numbers below are a representative sample from all the affiliated groups who have been able to respond so far with 501 women and 2984 men playing.

The survey remains open for clubs and groups who have yet to provide the information requested, and we would ask that the 5-10 minutes it should take to complete, will result in assisting the Trustees fulfil their duties on behalf of Walking Football Scotland.

 https://thinkdifferentevents.co.uk/hosted-events/walking-football-scotland-annual-survey

Further updates to follow.

Walking Football Women Participation

Walking Football - Men Participation

Player of the Month (January) - David Fairgrieve & Diane Brodie

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In partnership with Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland, we will be continuing with our monthly spotlight on Walking Football Scotland Players of the Month! 

For January the Walking Football Scotland Men’s Player of the Month is David Fairgrieve! David, 60, plays with Heart of Midlothian Community FC.

Walking Football Scotland Women’s Player of the Month is Diane Brodie! Diane, 49, plays with Rangers FFIT.

Congratulations David and Diane! They shared their reflections on what Walking Football means to them.

Why did you get involved in walking football?

Diane: “I’ve always been a football fan, though I hadn’t played since my teens. My Dad was one of the first to be involved at Bellahouston when I came across walking football for him with Glasgow Life and he played up until recently, loving the banter and the opportunity to kick a ball again. I was also taking my son to his games and thought it would be great if there would be something for me too, so once I saw the first advert for ladies I jumped at the chance.”

David: “I got involved with walking football as an alternative to traditional football. As I got older I found I was not as able to keep up with the demands of running due to my age and small injuries I had picked up over the years. Walking football is more of a low impact sport and did not have the same impact on my joints. I wanted to participate in something that would help with my flexibility and which still kept me mobile.”

What positive impact has walking football had on your life?

Diane: “It has been so good for both my physical and mental health. It’s time just for me, away from being a busy Mum, and for that hour or so I just enjoy myself and forget about everything else. Winning the league in November was a great day but just getting the chance to do this each week with a great bunch of girls I’m thankful for and with Ibrox in the background – it’s just amazing.”

David: “It has improved my overall health, fitness and well-being. Taking part in regular exercise has also helped me sleep better. It’s had a massive positive effect on my confidence and self-esteem and how I feel about myself. It has also helped with my weight management. Whilst there is an element of competitiveness, I have found an exercise that provides a laugh and enjoyment.”

“As part of my grassroots football, I am trained in First Aid. Recently I had to put these skills into use when participating at recent O60’s Champions League. An opposing player from Dundee East took unwell, collapsed and became unresponsive. I was able to use my CPR and defib training and save John’s life. I have now encouraged all my Walking Football Family to gain their First Aid and defib training in case it may be required in the future.”

What would you say to encourage others to come along?

Diane: “Give it a try! Whether you’ve played before or not, it’s a chance to meet others and get fit. It’s surprising the amount of steps you do in a session. The social aspect is beneficial too and most groups have a space indoors afterwards where you can have a cuppa and a chat.”

David: “It is a sport that can be enjoyed by anyone of any fitness level.  The social opportunities alone mean you get the chance to get out the house, meet new people and create lifelong friendships on and off the pitch. There are openings to participate in friendly competitions and meet people from other parts of the country. It can also help with your balance and coordination which can reduce the likelihood of falls and accidents. It’s a great way to improve your mental health and reduce stress.”

WFS O50’s West of Scotland Leagues

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We kick off the new competitive league season this Sunday with the O50’s West of Scotland leagues at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility.

In a first for Walking Football Scotland, this year we see 3 divisions in both the West and East leagues and we are delighted to welcome so many new teams across the country.

Last year’s winners Motherwell FC CT kick off with a tricky match against Saint Anthony’s - Whites, whereas newly promoted champions Carrick commence their Premiership debut against Braehead FC.

In the Championship, relegated Dumbarton will be looking to bounce back to the Premiership but start with a tough match against promotion hopefuls Glenafton Athletic.

And finally, in the new Conference league we are delighted to welcome new teams including: Craig Molloy Coaching CIC, Duncanrig EK, Motherwell Phoenix, WEBATA and wish them all the very best!

WFS O50's Men's Champions League - Pollok Utd Champions!!!

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We were back to competitive action today as the O60’s Men’s Champions League recommenced today after first commencing in December at Toryglen Regional Football Centre.

Sadly on that day, John McGee from Dundee East suffered a heart attack in the second game, but thanks to David Fairgrieve (Hearts) for quickly commencing CPR and the support from venue staff and then ambulance crew, a positive outcome sees John now doing well, recovering at home after a spell in hospital.

Dundee East made a special presentation today thanking David for his heroic actions that day saving John’s life and we thank the walking football community who came together that day to support one another after the traumatic moments.

It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of knowing life-saving skills, as you never know when they might make all the difference. This is a true testament to the selflessness and courage that can exist in sports and the power of community.

To the action now and after 4 tough matches today, Pollok Utd clinched the trophy to become O60’s Champions League Winners for 2024.

We congratulate all teams including winners Pollok Utd, Dundee East CSC, Pollok Thistle, Hearts, North Lanarkshire Council and Alloa Athletic for a competitive afternoon of walking football.

A big thanks to our referees for all their support and we look forward in welcoming all O60’s back to competitive league action in the next couple of months.

Photos - Phil Dawson

Education Workshops 2025

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This week we were delighted to spend time delivering our Education Workshop to players from across the country with workshops delivered in Oriam and Toryglen.

70 representatives from 33 affiliated clubs joined us to learn more about walking football, the developments of the game in classroom based delivery before concluding with a practical session of what the game should look like as well as ideas for warm ups. These clubs included:

Ayr Utd, Castlemilk CFT, Cocksburnspath, Drumchapel Utd, Dumbarton FC, Dunbar, Dunfermline Dynamos, Duncanrig EK, EK Gerihatricks, Fife Wanderers, Giffnock North, Giffnock SC, Glenbuck & Douglas Valley, Gorebridge, Hearts, Hibs, Hillwood, Loanhead, Midlothian, Morton, Motherwell FC CT, Oriam, Park Villa, Penicuik, Pollok Utd, Rangers FFIT, Rossvale, Saints in the Community, Stenhousemuir, Stirling Albion, Stornoway, Stranraer and Tweedvale

We thank both venues and staff for their support this week and we look forward in announcing our next dates for workshop in the not too distant future.