Walking Football Hits the Back of the Net - Samaritans Scotland

As part of our ongoing work to explore and highlight the recommendations in our Paid Yesterday, Broke Today report, we’ve been out and about speaking to other organisations with real experience of the challenges outlined in our research.

Most recently, we had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Cumnock Juniors Walking Football team in East Ayrshire, Townhead Strollers. As part of the Cumnock Juniors Community Enterprise, Townhead Strollers support men over 50 to participate in football alongside likeminded peers, showing that age is no barrier to participation in sport and the benefits that come with it.

The team start arriving around 12pm for a warm-up before kick-off at 1pm. Two 30-minute halves are played, before heading indoors for a hot drink, something to eat, and a chat.

From ex-professional players that - quite rightly - refuse to give up on the beautiful game, to players only now having the chance to live out their dreams on the pitch, it’s a safe space for men from all walks of life to get together for a (very competitive) kick-about and a cuppa.

Led by local Cumnock man, Derek King, Townhead Strollers is a fantastic example of how the power of community and social connection can really make a difference to people's lives. Speaking about the notable changes and positive impact on the players, Derek said:

“It’s amazing to see the difference in the guys from the first day they turn up. They get a lot more confident, fitter, agile, healthier in themselves. It’s such a boost for their mental health. Some of the guys that come along are pretty quiet and unsure at the beginning, but they can’t help but come out of their shell when the banter’s flowing freely!”

We learned that for these men, it’s not only about the football. Many walking footballers are no longer in work, whether this is through retirement, loss of work, or caring responsibilities. Walking football provides a perfect way to improve fitness and meet like-minded people throughout these changes to working life.

Walking football remains a constant support for those who turn up every week. It’s about that social connection, and of course, the banter that keeps the players turning up in droves even on the dreichest of days. The club prides itself on values of inclusivity, camaraderie, and comradeship, making this a place where it’s easy to feel welcome and part of the team. Derek said:

“The important thing to remember is that you don’t always know someone’s story. It could be money worries, losing a partner, health problems, anything. We have a WhatsApp group and community page that we use to keep in touch outside the sessions. The guys know that we are always just at the end of the phone.”

Along with a wide range of physical benefits, since joining Townhead Strollers, the players reported feeling less lonely, a sense of camaraderie and companionship, feeling valued, and improved self-confidence. Players also reported having built new friendships and even rekindling old friendships.

Our 'Paid Yesterday, Broke Today' report highlighted how social connection was key in helping people through struggles with mental health and preventing suicidal thoughts and behaviours. In our report, we recommended the Scottish Government set out ambitious targets to improve wellbeing and tackle loneliness, with consideration taken to ensure a range of initiatives suitable for different demographics. The fantastic Townhead Strollers are a shining example of this in practice and we’re grateful to Derek and the team for having us along.

Townhead Strollers had their first session in 2019 and now welcome around 30 players to each session. You can learn more about the club, including session times, here.

Cumnock Juniors Community Enterprise also run a women’s Walking Football team, Cumnock Striders. Find out more about Women’s Walking Football clubs here.

For further information about walking Football in Scotland and places to play, visit the Walking Football Scotland website.