If you can walk then you can still play the beautiful game

Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre is becoming a popular venue for some enthusiastic football players with a difference and regulars are hoping even more people will warm up for a game.
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Mar 2017, 14:48 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2017, 10:52 BST
Brian Duncan, front row far left, with Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre Walking Football participants in yellow shirts, and, players from East Fife Walking Football, and, SFA coach, Dave Costello, back row far right.Brian Duncan, front row far left, with Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre Walking Football participants in yellow shirts, and, players from East Fife Walking Football, and, SFA coach, Dave Costello, back row far right.
Brian Duncan, front row far left, with Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre Walking Football participants in yellow shirts, and, players from East Fife Walking Football, and, SFA coach, Dave Costello, back row far right.

Every Monday, players from the local area are getting together for a lively game of footie, at a slower pace.

Since Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, the region’s leading sports and leisure service provider, launched its Walking Football programme, the centre’s sports hall has been home to some enthusiastic goal scoring.

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The programme, which is the result of a partnership between Fife Council and Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, is aimed at older adults to encourage them to stay active.

Walking Football is open to all, with no previous experience necessary – if you can walk, you can play!

The 45-minute sessions are officiated by an experienced Scottish Football Association coach and involve a warm-up followed by a match.

Brian Duncan, aged 64, from Kirkcaldy, has been playing since the programmes launch in 2015.

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He said: “I really enjoy coming along to the weekly sessions – there is no experience necessary and because it’s at a slower pace, anyone can join in.

“We have a mixed group of players in terms of previous experience and it’s not necessary for everyone to be at the same standard.

“I can’t recommend it enough – it’s a great way to get active and I really enjoy the social aspect of it.

“Walking Football is a growing sport across Scotland and we’d love to see more players come along and we’d be able to put together teams from Fife.”

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Even those who have been diagnosed with a health condition can take part and benefit from increased physical activity.

Jacquie Stringer, health and physical activity manager for Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, explains: “Walking Football is open to men and women and is a great way to get active.

“We have a number of participants who experience health conditions - as with any of our physical activity health programmes, Walking Football can help improve wellbeing and overall health.”

Walking Football is available at Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre , Duloch Leisure Centre, Beacon Leisure Centre, Burntisland, Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre and Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre, Glenrothes.

Visit www.fifeleisure.org.uk for further details or call the health and physical activity team on 01383 602209.

Related topics:KirkcaldyFife Council