Walking football legend Peter Collins will miss this year’s Scottish Cup after suffering a broken finger whilst playing in goals during a session at Loanhead.
The 86-year-old performed heroics in goals for Midlothian last year, leading the team to a memorable victory in the prestigious 32-team tournament.
His performances earned praise from none other than Archie McPherson who commentated on the final from the side-lines.
The following month, Peter who plays five time a week was named SFA Adult Football Volunteer of the Year and picked up the award at a special ceremony at Easter Road.
Peter told the Edinburgh Reporter: “It’s a shame that I will miss the Scottish Cup as I had a great time last year. The family will be represented though as my son Dougie will be playing for Midlothian.
“I’m not able to play in goals due to my broken finger, but I can still play outfield and I am strolling though games because the other players are afraid to come near me.
“I still play five times per week and would recommend the sport to everyone. It’s great fun and as well as keeping you fit, you make many new friends. The banter is always fantastic and I am still as enthusiastic about the game as ever.
“Amazing things are happening in walking football. Midlothian recently got invited to Victoria Quay to play in a game against players from Active Scotland and I played in goals for that game.
“A few weeks ago I was playing at the Mayfield Saltire Centre when an American man walked in and asked for ‘Peter’. He had been given my name and wanted to try walking football. His name was Michael and he was from Wisconsin. He was in the area as part of a student exchange visit, staying at Dalkeith Palace.
“Michael really enjoyed the sessions and was heartbroken when he had to return home.
“Hopefully Midlothian can retain the trophy they won last year and I look forward to hearing all about it.”
This year’s event has attracted an incredible 60 teams from throughout the country and will be held at Glasgow Green this Saturday.
32 will play for the Scottish Cup and a further 28 will take part in a non-competitive festival which will include celebrity teams.
The event will be covered live on BBC Scotland.
Holders Midlothian have been drawn against KCST Northwest FC, Stenhousemuir and Stewarton.
League winners Hearts 56 face Ayr United Beresford, Fort William, Gretna 2008 FC whilst runners up Hearts 98 meet Gala Fairydean Rovers, Ayr United Parkhouse and Lochgilp Rovers.
Newcomers Oriam United face AM Soccer, Gerihatricks and Forth Valley Stirling.
In the non-competitive Festival, Spartans and Edinburgh City have been drawn in the same group alongside AM Soccer, Gerihatrick from East Kilbride, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, St James and West Lothian Youth Foundation.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
