I have raised a motion in the Scottish Parliament celebrating AM Soccer Club’s Over 50s walking football team based in Cupar, Fife and highlighting the benefits of regular physical activity.
Established in 2016, AM Soccer’s Over 50s Walking Football gives men the opportunity to combine their love of football with regular physical activity that is accessible regardless of age or fitness.
The concept of walking football preserves the rules as we know them but is played at a slower place, ensuring everyone can take part whilst still retaining the competition and camaraderie of football.
Health benefits can include improved cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, coordination, balance, reduction in weight, improve blood pressure and overall fitness levels while also helping to enhance mood, reduce stress, and support cognitive function.
My motion acknowledges the benefits of physical activity alongside the social and support benefits of the initiative that AM Soccer have developed, with regular opportunities for discussion and socialising in a friendly, supportive environment both on and off the field.
It was really great to get the opportunity to visit AC Soccer’s Over 50s Walking Football team and speak with the players and organisers on the benefits of engaging in regular physical activity like this.
It was clear that those involved really see their weekly opportunity to play football and catch up as a highlight of their week and it is also good that this gives people an opportunity to discuss things such as men’s health in a supportive environment.
When I visited, players were talking about prostate and bowel cancer and depression, so it was clear that anything is up for discussion and the players felt comfortable taking part in an open conversation.
I really commend AM Soccer for their initiative and investment in the health and fitness of participants which improves quality of life and reduces the potential for isolation.
We all know the benefit of regular exercise as a preventative measure against ill health, so it is great that there is an opportunity to do this that is accessible and also provides social opportunities in a friendly setting.
Motion Number: S6M-14303
Lodged By: Alex Rowley
Date Lodged: 03/09/2024
Title: Celebrating the Success of AMS Walking Football in Cupar, Fife
Motion Text:
That the Parliament recognises the success of AMS Walking Football, which takes place in Cupar, Fife; understands that it was set-up in 2016-17 under the auspices of the locally based AM Soccer, investing in the health and fitness of participants by improving their quality of life and contributing to their longevity and engaging participants in social interaction to reduce isolation; further understands that the club is open to everyone and anyone, primarily for over-55s, who would like to participate in Walking Football regardless of age or ability; celebrates the growth of the club from an initial interest of around half a dozen, to now having a pool of around 26 individuals; notes that the club has participated in the Scottish FAs Walking Football Tournaments in 2017 and 2018, the Taking on Legends of Scottish Football event at Rouken Glen Tournament, and has its own SFA qualified referee to keep “good order”; understands that the club also supports local children’s charities; thanks the work undertaken over the last few years by Coach, Harvey Walker, from Cupar, who, it understands, has been central to organising events, and finally recognises what it sees as the importance of community organised social events such as these and the benefits that they bring to developing friendships, providing social interaction and developing important social bonds within communities.
