The Midlothian Walking Football Team flew out to Portugal last week as Scotland’s representatives in the Brown’s International over 50’s Walking Football Tournament. The Midlothian side were honoured to make their debut in Europe wearing their new strips provided by team sponsors Saltire Soccer, Paths for All and Hibernian Community Foundation.

After a rather lengthy discussion with all team captains, an agreement was made on the actual rules as all ten teams played a different form of walking football. Two touch, three touch, unlimited touch, goal area restricted or not, height restrictions or not?

The only thing we all agreed on was NO RUNNING!

The first day of the tournament went really well for the Scottish side winning 5-1, 1-0, 1-0 in the group stages ending with an exciting last game against the eventual winners Soccer Olhanense Strollers which ended a 0-0 draw.

Second day took its toll with four injuries and torrential rain to deal with but our team made it through to the semi finals undefeated losing out to Cove Strollers on penalty kicks.

Presentation and BBQ indoors, as the rain flooded the decking area, where Soccer Olhanense Strollers, captained by Brian Kilcline, a former pro and FA cup winner with Coventry City, was presented with the cup and the outstanding player of the tournament award.

The following day the team joined thousands of Scotland fans as the national team took on Gibralter in the Algarve stadium winning 0-6.

Walking football is currently available in Midlothian through the Ageing Well project on Wednesdays 2-4pm at the Bayne memorial Hall, Loanhead and Fridays 10-12 noon at Ladywood leisure centre, Penicuik. It is also available on Mondays 6-7pm at the Lasswade Centre and Tuesdays 7-8pm at Saltire Soccer, Mayfield.