St Cuthbert Wanderers set to trial walking football in Kirkcudbright

A slower paced version of the beautiful game is to be trialled at St Cuthbert Wanderers FC.

Supporter and volunteer Craig Fabian will pilot taster games of walking football at St Mary’s Park next month.

Craig, 63, arranged the free sessions – for men and women – after the club gave the idea its full backing.

He told the News: “I asked the club that if I could do it under their aegis and I would be happy to organise it.

“It’s for people who simply have a passion for football or former players – it’s a fantastic thing.

“I think everybody should play – and the club has fabulous facilities.”

Craig is originally from Wolverhampton and played for Wolves’ youth team when he was 16.

Now, nearly a half a century later, he’s still enjoying his football – just at a more sedate pace.

Walking football, for adults over 50, has taken off in Scotland in recent years. It’s a standard game of football on a small-size pitch where players walk or jog gently instead of running at full pace.

There is no slide tackling or heading the ball – just a stay-on-your-feet passing game.

Craig added: “I have been playing walking football for the best part of five years. The benefits are amazing from a mental health and physical health point of view.”

Evidence shows that older people who play regularly enjoy a lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduced fat, greater muscle strength and improved mobility.

Social benefits include meeting new people and having a laugh and a blether over a cuppa.

Saints have organised free taster sessions of walking football on Monday, June 13. at 7pm, and on Thursday June 16, at 2pm.

Anyone interested in giving it a go or wanting more information should call Craig Fabian on 07493 777855 or email