Dumbarton walking football club mark fifth anniversary with big aims for the future

A pioneering walking football club has marked its fifth birthday, with demand for the sport locally at its highest ever level.

In February 2018, whilst Scotland was in the grip of the Beast from the East, Dumbarton man Phil Dawson founded Lomond Walking Football Club - the first walking football team in West Dunbartonshire.

At the time, Phil said: “If you thought that you’d kicked your last football but you still have a dream and a passion for the game, then I want to hear from you.

“I want to see that spark again that I know I get when I walk into the sports hall and see the bibs and footballs placed and ready to play.

“It’s really just a slower version of the beautiful game.”

Phil’s vision proved a huge hit, with the club quickly becoming affiliated with Vale of Leven Juniors, before switching to being the official walking football team of Dumbarton FC.

When he moved down south, Phil handed over the reigns to Stephen Lang - who had been a member since the early days.

And he told the Lennox he is incredibly proud of how much the sport has grown across Dumbarton and Alexandria.

He said: “The last five years have really flown in and doesn’t feel like it’s been that long at all.

“I’m really glad that I went along to that first session all those years ago now. It’s definitely been one of my better decisions!

“The club really has become a massive part of my everyday life.

“I’m so proud of our team and how much it has grown over the years. From the days when we used to struggle to get a 3 v 3 game at our session to having 22 players and two sessions a week is absolutely brilliant.

“To become affiliated with Dumbarton FC and become their official walking football team was massive. The club have been great with us and hopefully