I have played sport since I can remember, and been a huge Southampton FC supporter all my life. Unfortunately, like most women my age, football was not an option as I was growing up. In my teens it was hockey all the way, with a bit of college cricket thrown in.
Then I went away to the Army for a bit, with all the sport opportunities that entails. Once I left the Army I moved from the south of England to the Scottish Borders. Again hockey played a big part in my life, but then I discovered curling, golf and eventually ladies rugby too, but still no football.
Two years ago I moved to Perthshire, too old for rugby and too slow for hockey I decided to see if there was any walking football locally. Initially I found information about Scone Thistle Walking Football and then found out there was a ladies walking football session too. So I plucked up the courage to go along, I was made to feel so welcome and loved being able to play a sport I have never had the opportunity to play competitively. All the ladies are such a friendly bunch and walking football is a great way to aid fitness. I now play in the mixed session at McDiarmid Park too and absolutely love it. I think sometimes people have an “image” of what walking football is like, but it definitely isn’t a stroll in the park and it is great fun. I’ve always felt the best way to meet people when you move to a new area is to join a sports team and it has proved right in this case. So along with the family, curling and golf, walking football plays a very important part in my life. I’m so glad I decided to give it a shot.
