The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
When victory comes at a stroll
Why run when you can walk? Gayle Ritchie checks out a walking football club in Fife and finds there’s still plenty to cheer
It may be a slower, gentler version of the beautiful game but the increasing popularity of walking football means clubs are springing up all over the UK.
And while the sport was created as an alternative to the fast and furious action of Saturday afternoon matchdays, players still work up a sweat, as I discovered when I turned up to cheer them on at Cupar Sports Centre.
Aimed at men over 50, walking football applies the same rules as regular football but at a less frantic pace. Running is forbidden and the ball mustn’t rise above head height, so no headers.
Flout the rules and the referee will blow his whistle for a free kick for the other side.
Many of the men who turn up to take part in the Tuesday morning sessions run by AM Soccer Club have played before, while a few hail from rugby backgrounds.
What’s really inspirational is that some of them are living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, while others have had strokes and open heart surgery.
However, that doesn’t stop them from throwing themselves into it 100% – even if that commitment has landed a few players with minor injuries (nose bleeds, chipped bones and the odd cut and bruise).
After they’ve warmed up, the men divide themselves into teams under the watchful eyes of coach and club coordinator Danny Mason and part-time coach Stuart Goldie.
Stuart’s dad Alistair, 59, is among the players.
“He played five-a-side all his life but he had a mini stroke in January 2015,” explains Stuart from the sidelines.
“Walking football has hugely helped his rehabilitation and completely transformed his life.
“At one stage, he was sleeping six times a day; now he only sleeps a couple of times. And it’s funny how he never feels ill on a Tuesday.”
Jim Hanson, 67, turns up for the second session of the morning, which is slightly more competitive. “The result doesn’t matter – it’s all about having fun,” he grins.
Bob Donald, 68, played for Alyth United in the 70s. He says he finds it hard to resist the urge to run.
“I was initially pulled up all the time for running – but you have to walk,” he says. “I’ve had nose bleeds and I broke my arm after going too fast and losing my balance. But it’s all good fun.”
Meanwhile, 68-year-old John McIntyre, who had open heart surgery in September 2015, says the sport is “a dream” for him.
“I had to be revived on the operating table three times and my family were sure they’d lost me,” he recalls.
“This sport has given me a new lease of life.”
In Paul Moir’s mind, there are many benefits to playing walking football.
“It keeps you young, fit and healthy and you meet so many different people,” says the 67-year-old.
“I played a lot of football in my younger years but I was always in defence. These days I’m up front. Having to think where the ball is, as well as other players, keeps the mind active.
“Lots of guys would sit at home twiddling their thumbs if they weren’t here.”
I spend most of the morning watching the games until Danny suggests I get stuck in. Within minutes, sweat is pooling on my forehead and I’m running for the ball. I also manage to (accidentally) kick poor Paul on the shin. Soon after, I retire, ashamed and embarrassed.
Laughing, Danny tells me the club is now hoping to set up a match between Old Firm legends featuring ex-Celtic and Rangers players. “It’ll be a little get-together with ex-Celtic or Rangers players,” he says.
“We only started the club in December but as time goes on, we’re becoming more and more competitive.”