“Playing walking football has helped people like me get regular exercise!” 27 November 2024 We’re keeping up with our monthly spotlight on Walking Football Scotland Players of the Month! Get involved, it’s worth it and you will love it. For November the Walking Football Scotland Women’s Player of the Month is Gillian Stevenson! Gillian, 55, plays with Motherwell FC CT. Walking Football Scotland Men’s Player of the Month is David Crawford! David, 71, plays with Dunbar. Congratulations Gillian and David! They shared their reflections on what Walking Football means to them. Why did you get involved in walking football? Gillian: “To keep fit but at a different pace from my normal keep fit routine.” David: “I had a cardiac arrest in July 2019 and I survived thanks to my step-daughter, who gave me CPR for 16 minutes before the ambulance and helicopter from the Great North Air Ambulance arrived. The Doctor and paramedic took over my care and I was airlifted to a hospital in Newcastle. “As part of my recovery, I was looking for some sort of regular exercise and my step-daughter mentioned that there was a walking football group in Dunbar. I hadn’t played football for years but decided to give it a go and I now play twice a week.” What positive impact has walking football had on your life? Gillian: “While contributing to my fitness levels in general, I have also met lots of new people who have become friends as well as team mates. I have also enjoyed getting to play in tournaments such as the Scottish Cup & Glasgow Cup.” David: “Walking Football has improved my health – I am fitter and my weight has also gone down since I started playing. “I look forward to playing twice a week, outdoors in all weather conditions and I still enjoy it even when the weather is poor. I was a bit wary of playing at first, but I soon relaxed knowing I could play without any problem due to the welcome I received.” What would you say to encourage others to come along? Gillian: “Get involved, it’s worth it and you will love it.” David: “Playing walking football has helped people like me, with health problems, get regular exercise! I would recommend it to anyone and it is a good way to meet new people, making friends and having a laugh. “Give it a go! It certainly has helped me!” Inspired? Find out more about our partnership with Walking Football Scotland. Walking Football 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. Physical Activity