Monklands walking football kicks off

Veteran footballers from across Monklands are being encouraged to join and support their local walking football team - after Scotland’s first league was launched last week.

The over- 50’ s walking football club meet at the Airdrie Leisure Centre every Thursday from 12 noon to 1pm - and top performers could have the chance to take part in the new league pilot.

The league was kicked off last week, and North Lanarkshire Council Walking Football Development Officer Billy Singh called for everyone to get involved: “Walking football has seen a massive growth over the last few years with over 600 players taking part in games across Scotland on a weekly basis.

“We already have a national walking football festival and regional festivals so it made sense to pilot a national league.

“The benefits of playing walking football include improving physical and mental well- being, building new friendships and signposting to other activities in their local area.

“All players will be given pedometers to calculate how many steps are taken during games.

“We hope to encourage players to build walking into their daily routine.

“I would encourage people to find to out more about walking football.”

To find out more about the scheme call 01236 341968.