Walking football off and running in Easter Ross with formation of new club
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Walking football is officially up and running in Easter Ross with the formation of a new club in Tain.
St Duthus Walking Football Group first started training and playing in November last year, and numbers have grown steadily as players get to grips with the increasingly popular sport.
The Tain based group has attracted participants from Golspie to Evanton and surrounding villages.
Sessions are open to men and women of all ages, from novices to experienced players, who come together to form teams of five, six or seven a side, depending on numbers.
The club held its first formal meeting on Friday April 15 at the Royal Hotel, and the first order of business was to form a committee.
Club founder Patrick Vickery was elected as chairperson, with Allan Whiteford named as secretary. Mike Sutherland, Golspie, was elected as treasurer while Kenny Mackenzie was appointed to deal with football convening duties.
Members David Robertson and Samir Atmane were appointed as head coaches for the team, who have also expressed an interest in competing in festivals and some regional events later in the year.
Mr Vickery said: "Our first Walking Football Festival this year is on Saturday June 25th in Inverness playing against other Highland teams. There will be opportunities to play many more in the future, as well as league games and cup competitions for those who wish to."
The club also confirmed its affiliation with senior club St Duthus Football Club, who represent Tain in the Scottish football pyramid as members of the North Caledonian League.
It is anticipated that the clubs will work together on projects in the future.
Mr Vickery hopes that the club can attract some more playing members, and is encouraging interested parties to come along to try it out.
"It's good fun, that's the main thing. It is for all ages. Most of us are fairly mature, but we have some young ones here as well. Some nights we have three generations playing on the same pitch at the same time.
"It's quite fast. There's no running allowed, but it's not slow. It's a bit like five-a-side football.
"You can get in touch via Facebook or turn up here at TRACC (Tain Royal Academy Community Complex) at the astroturf pitch at 5.45pm where we hold sessions every Thursday evening."
