More than 100 players took part in a six-hour walking football match organised by Giffnock Sports Club to raise money for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS).
The Healthy Goals event was held at the club’s Auldhouse home on Sunday, in partnership with CHSS and Walking Football Scotland.
Players from clubs across Scotland took part in continuous seven-a-side games involving men’s and women’s teams aged over 40.
Throughout the day, CHSS’s Health Defence team provided free health checks. Players had their blood pressure, cholesterol and waist circumference measured and received practical tips on healthy living.
The service provides free health checks and advice in communities across Scotland. It helps people identify risk factors before they lead to serious illness, including chest, heart and stroke conditions.
Martin Jack, the organiser from Giffnock SC, said: “Sunday went realty well and we thank everyone who made the effort to come along.
“We had teams from Saints Walking Football in Kirkcudbright, Midlothian Ladies, Drumchapel, Rangers FFIT, East Kilbride Gerihatricks Walking Football Group and host club Giffnock Soccer Centre.
“The people I’ve spoken to on the day said they enjoyed themselves and thanked us for organising the day and it’s been really enjoyable.
“The aim of the day wasn’t about competing against each other it was about raising awareness of the benefits of walking football, continuing to grow our partnership with CHSS and having some fun.
“Walking football has a wide range of benefits includes improved physical health, tackling social isolation for better mental health and creating a real sense of community.”
Photo: The Healthy Goals walking football fundraiser organised by Giffnock Sports Club
Stuart Brown, deputy head of prevention services at CHSS, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Walking Football Scotland for their continued support as part of this partnership and thank Giffnock SC for putting together the Healthy Goals event and it was a fantastic day.
“It was a great opportunity for our health defence team who provided free health checks on the day as we continue to reach as many people as possible to offer advice for healthier living.
“Being active is not only good for our physical health – just 150 minutes of moderate activity is enough to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 35 per cent – but also our social and emotional wellbeing, and events like Healthy Goals are a great way to bring people together while encouraging healthier lifestyles.
“In addition, the money raised from events like Healthy Goals helps us to support the 1 in 5 people across Scotland living with chest, heart, stroke conditions and Long Covid.”
Information about walking football clubs and the health benefits of physical activity is available at www.chss.org.uk/services/physical-activity/walking-football/.
People living with the effects of a chest, heart or stroke condition or Long Covid can contact the charity’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0899, text ADVICE to 66777 or email adviceline@chss.org.uk.