Walking Football Commentary by Ex Celtic Skipper Andy Lynch
We managed to catch our very own "Kipper", former Celtic Skipper Andy Lynch off side for a few words about the game that is scoring a goal at The Hub, Walking Football. Andy won three league titles and two Scottish Cups during a seven year spell with Celtic, scoring the winning goal against Rangers in one final. Captain under Jock Stein and Billy McNeill, the winger made 185 appearances before moving to America in 1980 to represent Philadelphia Fury and Montreal Manic. The former Hearts player also went on to manage Manic and Australian side Sunshine Coast. Andy regularly plays Walking Football every Friday and here's what he had to say on the beautiful game......
““For several months my good friend Gary Gallagher had been telling me about walking football played at the Inverkip Hub.
I have to admit that I was very cynical about walking football. I asked Gary what the rules were. Was it similar to the traditional five a sides? Can you tackle? Can you even get a sweat up? That was important to me. I didn’t just want to stand about.
Well, after several weeks playing I am thoroughly enjoying it. And yes I am getting a great work out as well!
Walking football is the natural way to go for the older guys who still love to get out and get a wee kick of the ball. Its a perfect scenario to work out at your own pace.
I recently published my own book “Hoops, Stars and Stripes”. In it is a story relating to the time when I was Coaching in Montreal during the North American Soccer League. I had a few neighbouring football friends who invited me to join their 5-a sides on a Tuesday night. Picture a huge indoor football pitch. As the game started with just a few guys in each side the numbers soon escalated as more and more guys were arriving after their work. There were 65 year old business executives, 19 year old plumbers etc. they would just grab a bib and join in. I didn’t think the youth and the seniors would work out, but I was wrong. Everyone finds their level, just like the walking football at Inverkip!” ”
You can purchase “Hoops , Stars and Stripes” at Amazon and if you buy it through Give as You Live, you also raise money for The Hub.
Walking football at The Hub is in partnership with Morton Community Trust and is on every Friday between 1pm and 2.30pm. We are encouraging all men and women aged 50+ of all abilities to take part — and enjoy the benefits of getting active in later life.
There is no fee, but participants contribute about £2 a week to go towards after-match refreshments.
More information is available by calling Kevin at the Hub on 520740 or Brian McLaughlin of GMCT on 731949
We would like to thank Andy for contributing to our blog and also for use of the pictures. And a BIG THANK you to Sports Journalist Peter McVitie for his help in producing this blog with his footballing knowledge. You can follow Peter here.
