Walking football success may breed hockey version

Walking Football proving to be a major success
Walking Football proving to be a major success

THE SUCCESS OF weekly ‘walking football’ sessions for over-50s in Moray has sparked suggestions that a similar scheme be organised for women in the same age group.

Moray Council say that the football sessions have come on “leaps and bounds” since they were first introduced earlier this year.

The weekly sessions at Elgin Community Centre currently boasts 25 registered players – while those more recently introduced at Buckie High School are also showing an increase in popularity.

Running is strictly forbidden in the version of the game that is the result of a joint Moray Council/Aberdeen FC community trust venture. The sessions provide and easy method for older people to exercise, socialise and above all have fun while enjoying friendly competition.

Several women have also joined in the sessions – but now the local authority says that consideration may be given to ‘walking hockey’ that would in the main be aimed at over-50’s women.

Currently walking football sessions in Buckie are held on Tuesday’s from 6.30pm to 7.30pm while the Elgin sessions are held on Tuesday’s from 9.30am to 11am.

The Buckie sessions will continue throughout the summer but those at Elgin with take a short ‘close season break’ during the last two weeks of July.

Aberdeen FC community trust coach Brian Wright said: “The Elgin sessions have now been running since February and you can clearly see the improvement in the skill level and stamina levels of the participants involved.”

Both the Elgin and Buckie sessions cost £2.50 and further information for anyone interested in becoming involved is available by calling 01343 563657.