‘ My life was saved by walking football’
A community stalwart has been honoured by UEFA.
Walking Football Scotland Chairman Gary McLaughlin has been recognised for his dedication to the sport by UEFA as the silver prize winner of the Best Grassroots Leader category in the UEFA Grassroots Awards 2019.
The Best Grassroots Leader award is issued to a coach or volunteer who has exhibited exceptional commitment and had a big impact, in numbers playing or social significance, over a long period.
In 2012, Maybole dad- oftwo Gary discovered walking football having suffered from heart problems. This discovery allowed him to play the sport he loved for the first time in years.
After experiencing walking football for himself, Gary could associate with the numerous scientific studies that proved the health benefits of involvement in walking football, from reducing blood pressure and cholesterol level to reduced levels of social isolation.
Gary first became chairman of Walking Football Alliance – a group of interested parties who came together in 2015 to help promote and expand walking football from the small number of groups scattered across the country.
In March 2017, following a general meeting of all the interested walking football groups, clubs and partners, it was decided to create a voluntary participant- led organisation to move the sport forward.
As chairman of the newlyformed Walking Football Scotland, Gary has secured full legal charity status for the organisation, allowing the group to secure funding from many different sources.
Gary, assisted by five other elected trustees, has driven the game to massive growth in the last few years.
From its birth in 2012, walking football, through the efforts of Gary and Walking Football Scotland, now offers activity across Scotland in
Gary said he was surprised and delighted at receiving this award and added: “For me personally, football truly did save my life. “It was life changing for me. I had two heart attacks, I have seven stents and walking football played a role in changing my life.
“It’s what drives me to get the message out about the fitness benefits and the connections you can build and it’s all through football. It’s not just the physical fitness though, there is a huge benefit to mental health too.
John Brown, South West Regional Manager at the Scottish FA said: “Gary McLaughlin is Mr Walking Football and volunteers countless hours in his crusade to help other people enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
“This award is a fitting recognition.”