We’re keeping up with our monthly spotlight on Walking Football Scotland Players of the Month!
The great thing about walking football is you can be a complete novice or an ex professional and still enjoy playing. It’s given me the opportunity to play in teams with people of all ages and abilities.
For March the Walking Football Scotland Women’s Player of the Month is Jennifer Currie-Jenkins! Jennifer, 41, plays with Stenhousemuir.
Walking Football Scotland Men’s Player of the Month is Alan Turner! Alan, 67, plays with Dunbar.
Congratulations Jennifer and Alan! They shared their reflections on what Walking Football means to them.
Why did you get involved in walking football?
Jennifer: “I first got involved in walking football by going along to see my husband play. He had moved up from Wales and was looking to meet new people and get back into playing football. I was very overweight and unfit so knew that playing recreational football was not an option. I thought Walking football was a good starting point to get back into playing again.”
Alan: “Initially I got involved in walking football mainly to play a game I love and take some exercise while meeting new people.”
What positive impact has walking football had on your life?
Jennifer: “When you tell people you play walking football they tend to laugh and say “do you even break a sweat?”. I can assure you folks, we most certainly do! The health benefits have been amazing both mental and physical. The steps you do in a training session and or game would shock most people who think the sport is just for “auld folk”.
“I, like many others have suffered with my mental health and walking football has very much helped me. It gives me a routine, a reason to leave the house and something positive to focus on when I am low. It’s also helped me meet new people and gives me the opportunity to play in teams with people of all ages and abilities. I have made lifelong friends because of walking football and look forward to making more. I started as a defender but found I liked playing in goal so have stayed there. I still see myself as being a “new” goalie so it’s helped me learn new skills too.”
Alan: “Walking football has made me fitter and healthier both physically and mentally. It has increased my social circle and given me the opportunity to support local charities. I have made new friends and can take part in a modified version of the game I love. Playing competitive walking football is a thrill you can still experience.”
What would you say to encourage others to come along?
Jennifer: “The great thing about walking football is you can be a complete novice or an ex professional and still enjoy playing. It’s given me the opportunity to play in teams with people of all ages and abilities. It’s also accessible for those with different disabilities. All are welcome and encouraged to join in. Winning also means something different for everyone. For me it’s keeping a clean sheet or letting in one less goal from my last game, for others it’s taking part, scoring a goal or cutting out a pass.”
Alan: “Come and give walking football a try! You won’t regret it! You will improve your fitness, ball skills, make new friends and enjoy a controlled game of football. You can either play locally or take part in competitive fixtures which is entirely your own choice. Improve your mental health too by playing a sport you will grow to love along with like-minded people.”
Inspired? Find out more about our partnership with Walking Football Scotland.
We’re partnering with Walking Football Scotland because keeping active is one of the best things that you can do to improve your physical, mental and social wellbeing. Find out more about how you can keep active.
