Hearts finish runners-up in Walking Football Scottish Cup

Hearts lost on penalties in the final of the Walking Football Scottish Cup at Glasgow Green on Saturday.

The event, believed to be the biggest of its kind in the
walking football world – was enjoyed by over 700 players competing in the Cups
and the Friendly Festival. Andy Gould, Head of Football Development at the
Scottish FA joined Walking Football Scotland Patron Craig Brown who presented
the trophies.

Hearts won their group before disposing of previous winners
Midlothian in the last 16. Victories over Arbroath and Kilmarnock resulted in a
final appearance against Raith Rovers. The hard-fought encounter ended level
but the Fifers won the penalty shoot out 4-2 to secure the Over 50s Cup.

The Inaugural Over 65’s Scottish Cup had 8 teams competing
for the trophy and worthy winners Kirkcaldy defeated East Kilbride Gerihatricks
in a similar nail-biting penalty shoot-out.

The non-competitive Friendly Festival had 32 entrants signed
up to play walking football at its purest.

Midlothian Ladies won the Fair Play award and this year the
Board of Trustees decided to put up a Fair Play award for the competitive
competition in memory of Midlothian man Peter Collins.

Peter was a man who was passionate about his walking
football and was a great ambassador for the sport. He was always helpful,
cheerful and nothing was a trouble for him. He was at the forefront of walking
football when it was first played in Scotland and became recognisable as the
smiling face of walking football.

The Peter Collins Award for Fair Play will be an annual
event and the first winners were Linlithgow Rose.

Walking Football Scotland Chairman Gary McLaughlin said: “We
are absolutely delighted with the Event today. The players turned out in the
hundreds to support us. They travelled from the far North of Scotland down to
the Borders. Glasgow Green was jumping today. Everything was so good, weather
was fantastic, the competition although keen was played in an exceptionally
sporting manner and I am so proud to see Walking Football developing and
engaging so many as WFS strive, to play our part in making and keeping Scotland
an Active Nation through Sport.”

St John Scotland put on CPR and Defibrillator displays
throughout the day which proved to be popular with participants whilst Prostate
Cancer UK were always visible in their gazebo where everyone was made welcome
and made more informed about the disease.

Other partners were there to enjoy and add their support to
the event, Cardiac Science,Prostate Cancer UK, SAMH, Active Scotland, The
Salvation Army and the Scottish FA all field teams in the Festival.

Photo by Helen Hyland