Walking Football Scotland was officially launched on 6th December by Aileen Campbell, Minister for Public Health and Sport at an event in Stirling. The new organisation has been set up to encourage older players to stay involved in physical activity for longer and for those looking for a fun and social way to stay active.
Walking Football is the slowed down version of the beautiful game. The sport has grown rapidly across Scotland by allowing people to reignite their passion for football, despite age, injury or illness, simply by slowing things down. The new organisation already has over 45 member organisations who run over 70 sessions every week. The project has been co-ordinated by partners including Age Scotland, the Scottish FA, the SPFL Trust and Paths for All as part of the Scottish Government's Active Scotland strategy to encourage more people to undertake physical activity. Gary McLaughlin, Chairman of Walking Football Scotland said: “We are delighted to have so much support for Walking Football in Scotland. It has been amazing to see the number of clubs grow with more men and women playing each week. We are delighted to have the support of the Minister for Public Health and Sport, and our inspiring patrons, Rose Reilly and Craig Brown. “Walking Football is a fantastic game. I play myself and would urge anyone and everyone to find their local centre go along and give it a try. The groups are very welcoming, and anyone can take part no matter age or ability. You don’t need football boots or special kit.” Ian Findlay chief officer, Paths for All said "We've long been advocates of walking as the way to a happier, healthier nation and walking football is the perfect way to encourage people to get off the sofa and into a more active lifestyle again. "With a love of football in the blood of so many Scottish people, we're delighted to work in partnership to help as many people as possible continue to enjoy the beautiful game despite age or injury and to reap the benefits. “There is a genuine buzz for the sport's future and we're delighted to have played an integral role in the development of Walking Football Scotland and we look forward to seeing it grow and flourish.” Andy Gould, Head of Football Development at the Scottish FA, said: “Walking Football is a core activity in the Scottish FA’s Grassroots Football strategy, the One National Plan, and it is heartening to see the growth of a sport that helps to deliver benefits such as increased physical activity, mental wellbeing and our ultimate vision of providing ‘Football for Life’. “We look forward to working with Walking Football Scotland, our regional network and our extensive links to clubs and other stakeholders to continue to support the growth of Walking Football in future.” The oldest Football in the world and Scotland’s oldest Footballer! With Walking Football being particularly appealing to older adults, Walking Football Scotland invited their oldest player to the launch as well as having the oldest Football in the world available to view. The oldest football in the world, which dates to 1540 and is rumoured to have been played with by Mary Queen of Scots. Attending the event was Edinburgh City's Bert Cunningham, Walking Football Scotland’s oldest player. At 88 he is an advocate of the game for helping people to stay active into older age. Asked why he got involved he said: "I saw an advert about a new session starting at Meadowbank in January 2015 so I went along. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and have been a regular ever since, rarely missing the weekly sessions. They are a good bunch of lads we all go for a cup of tea and a good chat after the game which makes it a great social occasion" Scotland’s football luminaries lend their support to Walking Football Scotland Two of Scottish Football’s most inspirational figures have been appointed patrons of the new charity. Rose Reilly, World Cup Winner and trailblazer of women’s football, and ex Scotland Manager Craig Brown both attended the busy event to lend their support to Walking Football Scotland. Find out more Walking Football Scotland have groups right across Scotland from Highland down to the Borders. You can find out more about Walking Football Scotland and find a group near you online.
Is Bert Cunningham the oldest Footballer in the UK?
Edinburgh City Walking Football are delighted to announce that one of their regular players Bert Cunningham celebrated his 88th birthday playing walking football at Meadowbank Sports Centre on Thursday 7th September 2018. Bert has been playing walking football at Meadowbank for almost two years and is the oldest player in Scotland and possibly the UK. When asked how he got involved with walking football Bert replied"I saw an advert about a new session starting at Meadowbank in January 2015 so I went along ,thoroughly enjoyed the experience and have been a regular ever since, rarely missing the weekly sessions. They are a good bunch of lads we all go for a cup of tea and a good chat after the game which makes it a great social occasion" When asked how long he would continue played his reply was "As long as I am physically able!" Still a keen bowler, Bert has been physically active all his life participating in football, cricket and athletics. As a young man he was a competitive cyclist and he continued cycling until a few years ago averaging 120 miles per week in the saddle.He was also heavily involved with the Boys Brigade in several roles including physical training instructor and in his early 40's he took up trampolining, coaching the sport for over 40 years at Meadowbank. With Meadowbank closing in a few months Bert will have been one of the few individuals involved with the centre during it's entire sporting history - an incredible achievement and he is a truely inspirational role model encouraging older adults to engage in an active, healthy lifestyle. Walking Football is one of the fastest growing sports in the country with thousands of men and a few women in their 50's, 60's, 70's and even older, playing the game each week. The Edinburgh City group currently play at Meadowbank Sports Centre every Thursday from 12.30 to 14.00, newcomers always welcome." Below is an email from Scotland's legendary goalkeeper Alan Rough "I'd like to send my best wishes to Bert on his birthday and I hope he has a great day and keeps a clean sheet. I take an interest in walking football and helped launch sessions at Partick Thistle a couple of weeks ago so I know how competitive and strenuous it can be so to still be playing at the age of 88 is absolutely fantastic and it is to his credit that he has kept himself fit enough to continue participating. Hopefully Bert has many seasons left between the posts. He really is an inspiration to all." I am delighted to report that a fully updated tale can now be accessed at the online news bulletin the Edinburgh Reporter on the following link http://www.theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2017/09/bert-cunningham-celebrates-his-88th-birthday-by-playing-walking-football/ All of us at Edinburgh City WF wish Bert a very happy birthday and many more years defying our feeble attempts at goal.
WalkingFootballScotland - Board meeting 19th July 2017
Venue: Hibernian Community Foundation, Easter Road Stadium, Edinburgh 1.Welcome BS welcomed the group including guests Kirsty Noble from Senscot Legal and Brian Sloan from AgeScotland 2.Sederunt Chair - Gary McLaughlin (GM), Vivian Wallace (VW), Bob Moyes (BM), Tony Smith (TS), Colin Mackay (CM), Billy Singh (BS), Walking Football Development Officer Kirsty Noble (KN), Senscot Legal, Brian Sloan, AgeScotland Apologies: John Hislop (Board), Ian McCall (Paths for All) 3.Previous Minutes Approved by Vivian Wallace, seconded by Tony Smith 4.Partnership/ Funding
BS informed the board that Scottish Government and Paths for All would no longer have funding available to support WalkingFootballScotland and his post will now cease in September 2017.
Brian Sloan stated that non financial support will continue from AgeScotland and distributed several documents and offered other useful advice.
Board agreed to affiliate to AgeScotland.
BS to set up meetings with Paths for All re partnership in general and looking forward to the future.
BS to also set up meeting with the Scottish Football Association to discuss officiating/refereeing course and any other support they can offer.
5. OSCR Charity Application Kirsty Noble outlined the legal and corporate details and obligations of the application and led the board through the draft document she had prepared explaining the requirements for a successful application. The following major amendments were agreed by the Board
Clubs/groups do not need to be constituted to affiliate
No initial fees
Members meeting will require a minimum quorum of 10%
Clubs/groups may submit proxy votes on major issues
No maximum number of board trustees
Minimum number of trustees to remain at 3
Geographical representation removed
KN to make agreed amendments and submit application. Expected to take around three months to be approved. Board members offered their sincere thanks to KN for her invaluable assistance in preparing this application. 6. Membership /Affiliation As discussed previously, and as part of the OSCR application, WalkingFootballScotland will introduce a club/group membership system inviting all clubs/groups in Scotland to affiliate. It is was agreed that initially cost of membership would be free and could offer some or all of the following benefits:
Full details of club/groups activities on website
Promotion of tournaments/events/recruitment
Access to potential grant aid (ie SPFL kit packages, resource packs etc)
Able to vote and influence on future WFS matters
Eligible for election to WFS Board
Included on WFS e-newsletter distribution list
First option and free or discounted access to future WFS training courses
Opportunities to share good practice
By affiliating clubs/groups will assist support the case for future WFS funding
BS has produced a list of currently active groups who will all be encouraged to affiliate. TS highlighted that a few groups were missing from this list in the Angus area. BS to amend and all board members to submit to BS any other known omissions. 7. Action Plan
CM ran through current version of the Action Plan.
Several amendments were made and updated version will be sent out under separate cover.
CM will circulate to other Board members initial ideas on potential funding requirements. All other Board members to to put forward their own thoughts.
8. Logo/Media Launch
Board unanimously agreed the new logo designed by Arthur Duncan from the Tullibody WF group and requested, through BM, that the design be available in a wide range of formats.
Board expressed their thanks to Arthur Duncan for his work on the logo design.
It was agreed that the official national launch of WalkingFootballScotland, including the new logo and website, would take place in September with all ideas welcome.
BS to get quotes for branded pop up boards etc.
9. Website/ e-newsletter
BS reported that Paths for All's design team were proceeding with the new website design.
CM, GM and BM agreed to meet with designers to supply content etc and John Hislop to be approached regarding his expertise on media and communications.
10. National Governing Body Board not convinced that forming an national governing body at this stage of WFS development is currently appropriate, however an initial meeting with sportscotland to be arranged by BS. 11. Medical History/ Disclaimer/Liability Another lengthy discussion with KN agreeing to discuss with her legal colleagues and report back to board. 12.Date/venue of next meeting To be confirmed later in September following meetings with Paths for All and SFA. 13. AOCB
BS to contact The Walking Football Association to discuss their claim of being the National Governing Body for all of the UK and the implications of hosting National Championships in Scotland around November/December 2017.
Free First Aid course open to all at Perth date tbc
Training course on dealing with Dementia on 31st August, venue tbc
BM suggested that local/local regional leagues and committees could be considered in the future,
Raith Rovers Community Foundation have submitted a proposal to create an over 40’s walking football league in the East of Scotland. For more information contact [email protected]
Hearts Community Team offered free introductory coaching course on 30th June to all their walking footballers and are about to introduce new evening session at Tynecastle on Thursdays 6.00 to 7.00pm.
WalkingFootballScotland - 1st board meeting
Notes of the 1st Board meeting of Walking Football Scotland held at GMB Scotland, Fountain House, Glasgow on 4th April 2017. In attendance: Billy Singh (BS), Ian McColl (IM), Vivien Wallace (VW), John Hyslop (JH), Bob Moyes (BM) and Colin Mackay (CM) Apologies: Gary Mclaughlin
General opening discussion on the way forward with the group now know as "The Board" who have been nominated on a temporary basis to work closely with BS over the next six months to promote and develop Walking Football.
The name of the overall group/organisation will now be Walking Football Scotland (WFS)
There was a lengthy conversation around health questionnaires and liability. How do we stand legally if we do or don’t ask players health questions and if we do, should these questionnaires be made available during our sessions, if so, how? (data protection laws etc) especially if sessions are not led by coaches. Or do we just leave it to them to manage their own health restrictions. If something happens and first aid is administered and knowing (or not knowing) of any complex health issues would this complicate matters legally or not? This is an area of concern and hopefully BS & IM may be in a position to offer advice at a later stage.
Working through the draft development/action plan, the following was discussed and agreed: Meeting frequency: Board :- every 2 months or as required. Network group :- 3 or 4 times per year. Constitution: After some initial discussion, BS and IM outlined the advantages of applying for charitable status that includes greatly increased credibility with funding, health, SFA and other partner organisations and it was agreed that BS produce an initial draft for general discussion that would includes the aims and mission statement of Walking Football Scotland. To be discussed with full Network group. Competition Rules: Agreed to adopt the rules finally approved following the National Tournament in June. Code of Conduct: JH to forward copy of Gala CoC for discussion as good practice. Player info/reg form: CM to forward Edinburgh City form for discussion as good practice (attached) Standard Competition player registration form: To be discussed at later date Competition Calendar: BS will currently coordinate all events and all groups wishing to hold tournaments should check dates with him to avoid clashes. Will eventually be incorporated in new website. Health, Wellbeing, Inclusion and Disability: BM raised the importance that walking football can offer in these areas. Following a lengthy discussion it was unanimously agreed that this should be at the forefront of the benefits of walking football rather than the competitive side. Media & Promotion Strategy: To be considered later once Constitution has agreed. Website: BS will laise with Paths For All's Communications team on best way forward and plans to launch within three months. Areas to include are Toolkit, case studies, WF sessions and details, Events Calendars, Liabilities/Insurance, recommended rules, good practice templates etc. Facebook: This may not be appropriate to the current age groups involved however it is a powerful media tool. VW, JH & CM, whose local groups use facebook, to discuss and feedback on the possibility of creating a Walking Football Scotland facebook account. Media Data Base: BS already has access and JH recommends groups creating strong local links. General Data Base: BS has list of all active groups and partners but all to input any other groups interested in developing WF to be invited to Network meetings. Promotion Material: Standard posters flyers etc were discussed to share across groups. Would require funding and put on hold for future discussion. Referee development: Future discussion CPR/First aid training: Borders course very well received and another due in Perth on 19th April. Cost to deliver this course is between £550 and £650 which can accommodate up to 15 people. Partnership working: Very important to maintain relationships with key partners who are currently Paths for All, Age Scotland, SAMH, SFA & SPFL Trust. To be included within Constitution Funding Requirements: Identify if funding is required and if so, in what areas.
Spartans relaunch Walking Football
Spartans, in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure, are relaunching their walking football sessions on Monday 24th April at The Spartans Community Football Academy. The sessions will every Monday from 13.00 to 14.00pm and will cost £2 which includes a cup of tea or coffee. For more information contact Gavin McRae on 0794 362 6607
Scottish WF Network Meeting - 22nd March 2017
Representatives from the following groups were in attendance: Borders, Ayr United, Tullibody, Alloa, Stirling Albion, Kirkcaldy, Hearts, Edinburgh City, Stenhousemuir, Active Stirling, Glasgow Sport, Paths for All and Age Scotland.
Update from Billy Singh, Walking Football Development Officer
BS informed the group his appointment has now been extended for six months until October 2017.
Plans to set up independent Scottish website for all things walking football.
Demenia friendly training courses run by Edinburgh Leisure.
Has received request to host UK walking football championship this year in Scotland
Has arranged first aid courses in Peebles on 23rd March and Perth - date to be confirmed
Update and rules discussion on National WF Leagues by Craig Dargo, North Lanarkshire Leisure
Start date confirmed as 26th April at Ravenscraig Entry forms and registration forms sent to all groups to be returned by 7th April
Initial responses indicate a minimum of 10 to 12 teams will enter
Following a lengthy and comprehensive discussion it was agreed CD will issue rules within the next few weeks with the option to make amendments, depending on team feedback, after the first two sessions. These will include: three touch rule, head height, after every third team running offence a penalty will be awarded to the opposition, goalkeepers must release ball within five seconds.
The finally agreed rules will apply to the Nation WF Festival at Glasgow Green on 24th June
Governance/Structure With BS remaining in post for the next six months it was agreed to appoint a temporary steering committee to work alongside BS to identify key action points and ensure their delivery in close association with the network group. The following individuals were appointed:
West: Gary Mclaughlin (Ayr United) ~ Acting Chair
Central: Bob Moyes (Stirling Albion)
Borders: John Hyslop (Gala Fairydean Rovers)
East: Colin Mackay (Edinburgh City)
North: TBA
This steering committee will meet on 4th April at 11.00am in Glasgow at a venue tbc to decide the initial group priorities based on discussions at previous Network meetings.
The next meeting of the full Network Group will be on 10th May at The Emirates, Glasgow at 11.00am
Walking Football Network meeting - 2nd February '17
Notes from the Scottish Walking Football Network steering group meeting at Forthbank on 2nd February 2017. Representatives from the following groups were in attendance: Ayr, Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, Stenhousemuir, Stirling, Tillicoutry, Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, Montrose, Hearts, Edinburgh City, Midlothian, Borders plus partners Paths for All and Billy Singh, Walking Football Development Officer. Scottish National Walking Football League
Run by North Lanarkshire Council Sports Team and sponsored by NHS Lanarkshire.
All games played at Ravenscraig on Wednesdays from 12.00 to 14.00.
Played once per month from April to September (exc June and August)
Over 50's - will be either 5, 6 or 7 a side (tbc)2 or 3 games per session with a cost of £2 per player.
All walking football groups will receive email invitation with full entry details with next few weeks. Anticipate strong national media coverage
Scottish National WF Tournament
Played at Glasgow Green on Saturday 24th June - 11.00 to 17.00 approximate.
Over 50's playing 6 a side
free entry supported by Glasgow Council and Strathmore Spring.
Details and entry forms forwarded to all WF groups in mid March
Rules for National Competitions After discussion all agreed a standardisation of tournament rules were required. In general last years rules at National Tournament to be adopted except 3 touch rule to be introduced to prevent running on the ball and reduce tackling. Other minor adjustments may be introduced before start of National League
Paths for All Stated their continued support of walking football and offered advice on moving forward ie Men's Sheds an excellent example of good practice. Have initially offered administrative support
Walking Football Development Plan An initial development plan has been produced and can be used as an action plan at future steering group meetings. This includes areas such as rules, code of conduct, sharing good practice, website development, referee development, media awareness, identification of funding and partner opportunities.
Sports Injuries First Aid Courses Two free one day courses open to all walking football groups and covers
identifing and treating basic sports injuries
CPR training.
Billy Singh will forward details within next few weeks
Chair/Group Co-ordinator Matt from Glasgow Sport has kindly agree to chair the group in the short term and will take over this role at the next meeting, following the departure of Billy Singh, the current Walking Football Development Officer.
Next meeting Wednesday 22nd March, 11.00 to 14.30 at Forthbank, Stirling. All attendees are welcome to attend the walking football session held at the same venue from 10.00 to 11.00am prior to the meeting.
Scottish Walking Football Network Meeting.
All walking football groups across Scotland were invited to attend a meeting at Ibrox Park on Monday 5th December to discuss the way forward for the sport. The meeting was hosted by the Scottish Walking Football Development Officer Billy Singh who welcomed representatives from over a dozen WF groups, Paths for All and Glasgow Sport. Billy opened the session by giving an overview on the current walking football situation in Scotland which included: - Now between 70 and 75 sessions running across Scotland - Scoping exercise to identify all WF groups with Paths for All website now listing all sessions - WF toolkit currently being produced to assist new and existing groups - Standardisation of rules - A strong network already exists with many groups sharing ideas - Academic research is currently being carried out on the benefits of WF - Looking for a strong player-driven network - Working to create links to make walking football dementia and McMillan Cancer support friendly - Billy's role as Scottish WF Development Officer ends in March 2017 - Current partners are: Paths for All, SPFL Trust, SAMH, Age Scotland and SFA
All the attendees then introduced themselves including their walking football experiences and aspirations for the future of walking football.
The meeting then broke out into small groups and after intense debates the following action points were raised: - Steering group to be set up early in 2017 - consider regional representation - Meetings to be held perhaps quarterly and moved around the country - Bottom up (grassroots) approach preferred and not top led (ie SFA) - Standard set of rules for tournaments and festivals - Code of Conduct recommendations to be included in rules - Regular exchange of ideas and best practice between groups - Registration of players involved in tournaments etc - Create a main point of contact - Raise media profile - Training opportunities e.g.referees, CPR
BS then shared with the group details of the following WF events planned for 2017.
Scottish National Tournament: 24th or 25th June at Glasgow Green hosted and organised by Glasgow Sport National WF League: North Lanarkshire Council have agreed to host and organise a regular National league starting in March or April depending on the number of entries. All games will be held at Ravenscraig Sports Centre once per month with teams guaranteed at least two games per session. Full details and entry applications will be available in the new year. European WF Tournament: EUFA are hosting an event in Holland in September 2017 to which all teams are invited. Again details should be available next year. The group agreed to meet again in January/February with Active Stirling offering to host and Billt Singh in attendance to hand over all relevant information.
Hearts walking footballers take third place in the Algarve
"The Gorgie boys flew out to Vilamoura on Wednesday 5th October to take part in the annual walking football tournament held at the Brown's Leisure Club where the team were based for the next five days. With accommodation in recently refurbished villas and superb fitness and leisure facilities the players; Davie and John Barr, Norrie Campbell, Jimmy Macdonald, Alan Wylie, Davie Walkingshaw, Chris Westwood plus Edinburgh City's Russell Brown and Colin Mackay, were immediately made to feel at home by the friendly staff and quickly arranged an early training session. Even with the sun starting to go down, it was still pretty hot work and an indication of the conditions they would face the next day.
Their first game of the tournament could not have been much tougher against the local team of ex-pat's Olhao Strollers A. These lads have never been beaten and have only conceeeded TWO competive goals in their history! Led out by their captain, the former Coventry and Newcastle United star Brian Kilcline, the younger home side were the obvious favourites. Undeterred by the heat and opponents, Hearts quickly took a hold of the game, never allowing Olhao time to settle and it was no surprise when an Alan Wylie pile driver ripped into the roof of the net to give the Scots the lead. The first half ended with the Scots still on top and early in the second, Hearts doubled their lead with a well taken goal. Olhao stepped up their game and had a soft penalty well saved by Davie Barr before eventually pulling a goal back a few minutes before time. The Jambos comfortably held out to record a brilliant 2- 1 win to get their tournament off to a great start. Next up was a comfortable 3-0 win over Exeter City then edging another Portugese side Tavira 2-0 to top their group and move into the next day's quarter finals against the host team Browns.
Following a fairly even first half against Brown's, the boys in maroon stepped up their game in the second half to cruise through 3-1 and set them up for a semi final rematch with Olhao A. With the game kicking off at 2.30pm and the temperature hovering around 30 degrees this was always going be tough. Once again the Hearts came out the blocks flying and a few minutes into the game another Wylie rocket took a slight deflection of Kilcline's backside and flew past the keeper.....1-0! This goal may have came a bit early and obviously stung Coventry' s FA cup winning captain into action as Olhao raised their game and physically started to pressure the Edinburgh outfit. With minimum protection from the local referees the Portugese team hit two quick goals in succession to lead 2-1 at the half. With the combination of the heat and tough physical contact Olhao rattled in another few goals to take the game 5-1.
After this great disappointment, Hearts now faced "local" rivals Ayr United in the 3/4th play off final. This was a pretty even game and with defences on top and both teams feeling the effects of fatigue and heat, an 0-0 was the final outcome. Penalties would finally decide this and after a fine demonstration of goalkeeping and dodgy penalties the hero of the day was Hearts wee Jimmy Macdonald who finally scored after eleven failed attempts to lift the third place trophy.
The following day the four UK teams all met up and arranged a series of friendly matches with mixed teams that ensured the good natured spirit of the tournament continued across both the pitch and into the bar, late into the evening..... There was also several great trips into Vilamoura and Albufera with sales of beer, wine and whisky greatly enhanced!
A brilliant trip was had by all and a perfect example of how walking football brings together older guys and gals from completely different backgrounds to enjoy the benefits of physical activity and social interaction along with the joys of travel and the opportunity to meet great folks from other parts of the world.
Below are the full tournament results:
Is Edinburgh City's Bert the most senior walking footballer in the UK?
Bert Cunningham of the Edinburgh City Walking football group celebrated his 87th birthday on the 7th September 2016 and here he is (4th from the right) pictured with some of his team mates the following day. Bert, who has been heavily involved with sport for most of his life, was a very keen cyclist and until fairly recently racked up hundreds of miles a week. He was also a leading trampoline coach for over forty years and was one of the original participants when this walking football group started in January 2016. At 87 he is probably the oldest walking footballer in Scotland and possibly the whole of the UK. Bert is a regular every week at Meadowbank Sports Centre and is a true inspiration to his "younger" team mates who are mostly in their 60's and 70's!!! New players are always welcome at the session which runs every Thursday from 1.00 to 2.00
Montrose Links Community Trust Crowned 2016 Scottish Walking Football Champions
The second Scottish National Walking Football Festival took place on Sunday 19th June. A record entry of 25 teams and over 200 players ranging from 50 to 70 plus took to the pitches at the brilliant Spartans Football Academy. Following some fairly intensive group games the top two in each section made it through to the quarter final knockout stages as the rain began to pour down. Teams from the Edinburgh and Lothian area where well represented with Hibs, Hearts and Midlothian all making it through to the knockout stages. Unfortunately they all lost out to a very strong Montrose Community side who beat Hibs in the Quarter finals, Hearts in the semis and in a closely fought final, edged Midlothian 1-0 to lift the trophy and earn the right to represent Scotland in the National Finals later this year. Congratulations Montrose and good luck in the UK Championships.
A great day out with teams from all over Scotland (pictured below) proving walking football must be one of the fastest growing sports in the country.
Why not get along to one of the club's listed on the Where can I Play page and enjoy this tremendous activity.'