Tayport FC’s thriving Walking Football programme welcomed a trio of high-profile visitors recently as politicians from across the region joined participants for a memorable and highly successful morning session.
The over-50s Walking Football group, which meets every Friday at Dundee’s Regional Performance Centre, hosted Michael Marra MSP, Willie Rennie MSP, and Wendy Chamberlain MP on Thursday 20 March as part of a special showcase event highlighting the impact of the programme.
The visit came about after Michael Marra, whose father is a regular participant in the sessions, raised the club’s work during discussions at Holyrood regarding the importance of sport and community wellbeing. Following that mention, Willie Rennie MSP, whose constituency includes Tayport, contacted organisers to arrange a visit and see first-hand the positive work being done by the club. Wendy Chamberlain MP also expressed an interest in attending after hearing about the initiative.
Both Michael Marra and Willie Rennie took part fully in the Walking Football session alongside the players, while Wendy Chamberlain observed from the sidelines before joining the group afterwards for the club’s customary post-session coffee and chat.
The visitors remained for over an hour after the session speaking with participants, hearing their stories, and learning more about the physical, mental, and social benefits the programme continues to provide to men over 50 across the region.
The special morning attracted coverage from The Dundee Courier, who attended with a reporter and photographer, resulting in an impressive two-page feature in the following day’s newspaper.
Tayport FC Walking Football organiser Paul said the event was a major success and a proud moment for everyone involved.
“It was a fantastic morning for the club and for all of our players.
To have politicians of that profile not only attend but fully engage with the session shows just how valued Walking Football has become in the community.
The social aspect of what we do is every bit as important as the football itself, and it was brilliant for the group to have the chance to share their experiences.”
Tayport’s Walking Football programme has grown into one of the area’s standout examples of inclusive community sport, providing regular physical activity, friendship, and structure for older participants who remain passionate about the game.
The visit and subsequent media attention represent another major step forward in raising awareness of the initiative and the wider benefits grassroots sport can deliver