Amid the global football frenzy of the World Cup, the beautiful game is moving at a more sedate pace in Montrose.
The first women’s walking football team in the UK was formed in Montrose three years ago, but the ladies are now hotfooting it south to take part in a national event.
Sponsor
Having acquired a new strip sponsor – local food ingredient manufacturer Macphie – they are heading for the Walking Football Scotland festival in Glasgow this weekend.
This annual event will be the biggest yet, involving 60 teams from throughout Scotland and with around 600 male and female players taking part.
The Montrose Women’s Walking Football team, which is run by Links Park Community Trust, meets on Monday evenings at the Links Park stadium in the Angus town.
Active
Rebekah Penman, coach and project assistant at the trust, said: “We’re really proud to have been the first all-female team in the UK to adopt the sport, and in the three years we’ve been going, around 50 women have taken part.
“We have around 20 active members here in Montrose, whose ages range from 21 to 64.
“It’s a less intense, simplified version of the game with no running and only minimal physical contact between players.
“You don’t need any footballing experience. It’s just a fun and informal way to participate in sport in your local area.
“Games are played at a slower pace, which reduces the risk of pain, discomfort and injury, with players briskly walking through matches.
“The game’s popularity has grown significantly since we started and as well as the festival on Glasgow Green on Saturday, there are tournaments going on throughout the summer.
“We took part in the first all-women’s match in Scotland against Perth recently and there’s a league starting up in the east of Scotland region.”
Communities
Corporate Relations Manager at Macphie Joanna Fraser said the company is delighted to be able to support the project
“As a family-owned business, we want to be a good neighbour in our local communities.
“This initiative encourages both fitness and teamwork, and appeals to an audience who might otherwise find the football pitch an intimidating thought.
“We’re delighted to support the Montrose Women’s Walking Football team and wish them the best of luck at the festival on Saturday.”
The fourth annual Scottish Cup and Festival takes place at Glasgow Green on Saturday (23 June).
Among the 60 teams will be a team of politicians from the Scottish Parliament as well as a celebrity side with former Scotland international players.
The event will be covered live on BBC Radio Scotland.