Gala FR squad strolls into national contest

Back, from left. John Dodds, Jim Watters, Gordon Rae, Ross Buchan, John Dickson, Mike Godsman. Front, Howard Edge, Martin Edmunds, John Hislop, Dave Dewhirst.

The contest, organised by Glasgow Sport in partnership with Walking Football, will launch next Friday, January 17, at Toryglen Regional Football Centre next door to Hampden Park.

Twelve teams from across Scotland will take part in the six-month competition, with each team representing one of the 12 EURO2020 host cities. Gala FR have been selected to represent Budapest.

Organiser Matt Ramsay, from Glasgow Sport, said: “This is an exciting year for football in Glasgow and we are delighted to be organising and hosting this special competition bringing teams from all over Scotland to allow players the feeling of being part of EURO2020. We have many exciting future plans ahead and this is only the start.”

Walking Football Scotland chairman Gary McLaughlin added: “Walking Football Scotland is delighted to support this great initiative from Glasgow Sport and welcomes the opportunity to be involved in celebrating Euro2020.

“The players are looking forward to a healthy and fun start to an exciting walking football league, with a Euro2020 twist where our teams adopt a host city for this year’s tournament.”

Gala FR’s chairman, John Hislop, said: “Our players are looking forward to taking part in this unique competition but walking football is not just about playing in tournaments – it’s about keeping fit, having fun and making new friends.

“It’s aimed at men and women over 50 and we play indoors at Langlee Community Centre in winter and outdoor on the 3G pitch at Netherdale during the summer.

“I would encourage anyone to come along and give it a try. Very few people have turned up and not come back. We play every Monday between 2.30pm-4pm and every Thursday from 2pm-3.30pm. New players will be made welcome.”