Walking footballers boot up for Borders festival

Walking football players from across the Borders are getting ready for the Borders Walking Football Festival, due to take place at the Netherdale 3G Arena in Galashiels on Sunday 24 April.

Teams from Peebles, Kelso, Galashiels and Newcastleton will face sides from Midlothian, Annan and Newcastle in what promises to be a highly competitive tournament at the home of Gala Fairydean Rovers FC.

The sport has gone from strength to strength after the first few matches were played on the outdoor playing fields in Peebles in early 2014.

Games now take place on a weekly basis across the Borders with increasing numbers of people going along to enjoy the physical and social benefits that can be gained from taking part.

Walking football follows the same rules as a normal game apart from the fact that players are not allowed to run, only walk.

This allows for different skills to be utilised with abilities like agility, precision passing and ball control all helpful.

It is an ideal sport for people looking to improve their fitness and enjoy a game at a pace they find more suited to their needs.