Glasgow hosts the World’s Biggest One-Day Walking Football Event 28 June 2024 The Walking Football Scottish Cup and Festival took place at Glasgow Green Football Centre More than 800 people participated in the event, which was sponsored by Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland On Saturday 22nd of June, 83 football teams came together to take part in the biggest one-day walking football festival in the world – the Walking Football Scottish Cup. The event, organised by Walking Football Scotland and sponsored by leading Scottish health charity Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland took place at Glasgow Green Football Centre, with more than 800 players from across Scotland competing in the tournament across various categories. Last year, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and Walking Football Scotland announced a partnership that will see the two charities working together to improve health outcomes for over fifties across Scotland. The latest figures from the Stroke Care Audit showed the number of people that had a stroke has risen three years in a row to more than 11,000 people in 2023. According to Public Health Scotland, heart disease death rates have also increased for the last four years. The power of sport for good Jane-Claire Judson, Chief Executive at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland took part in the tournament as part of the CHSS Walking Football Team. Speaking about the event she said: “It was brilliant to see so many people embrace the Walking Football Scottish Cup to make it the biggest event of its kind in the world once again this year. “Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is committed to supporting the 1 in 5 people across the country with our conditions to manage their conditions and live full lives with the right support, at the right time and in the right place. “We want to improve health outcomes for people across the country and primary and secondary prevention measures, like walking football, keep people active and reduce the risks of heart attacks and strokes. “The partnership with Walking Football Scotland is ideal for us as we can promote these health benefits across the country and offer essential health checks via Walking Football clubs across the country.” Kenny McLean, the President of Walking Football Scotland, said: “Saturday was another fantastic day in promoting walking football across Scotland. “This partnership showcases what both CHSS and WFS can do and how we can use walking football as the vehicle for that. “There are so many people within the sport who take it up because they’ve had significant events – be it heart attacks or strokes – and it’s the vehicle they use to get fitter. There have been other people who have been playing walking football and after they’ve been playing they’ve had heart attacks and other health issues but it’s because of their fitness through walking football it’s actually saved their life. “The partnership has been great and it’s been an opportunity to highlight what both organisations can do. “On behalf of Walking Football Scotland I’d like to thank everyone who attended the day to make it the success it was. They include; AlphaMed Scotland, AudioCP, Darren Catering Services, Glasgow Life, Derek Anderson, Phil Dawson, the referees, WFS Regional Reps and Matt Ramsay for his immense hard work in organizing the day.” Winners were presented with their trophies and medals by CHSS Chief Executive Jane-Claire Judson Walking Football Scotland patron, and former Scotland international player, Rose Reilly. WALKING FOOTBALL WINNERS Women’s Over 40s – Braehead FC Women’s Over 50’s – Rangers FFIT Men’s Over 50s – Saint Anthony’s – Greens Men’s Over 60s – Ayr United Men’s Over 70s – Stenhousemuir Women’s Over 40s – Braehead FC Raith Rovers took home the Peter Collins Fair Play Award.