Ross Paterson
Age group: Under 50s

What is your footballing history? (Sunday league, Junior….)
Growing up, I had little interest in football. Mainly because I wasn’t very good at it. I did however play religiously every Sunday in a local match at Cotlands Park, Kennoway in something that we dubbed “Aggie League”. This featured players from both sides of Kennoway, with a mixture of ages, we all playing together often for hours. There were few rules, and no one really kept score but we always had fun.

I played in five a side leagues with a group of friends, all of whom were decent players and were good enough to let me tag along. I had one thing going for me, I was quick and could run all day. Was only when the ball was at my feet that there was an issue.

I have taken part in charity matches and memorial matches over the years all helping me to love the beautiful game.

What was your introduction to walking football?
On the back of the FITT Course, we came along to fife college to get a taste of walking football.

What were your first impressions of walking football?
Harder than I expected it to be, in a sense that some of the strong parts of my limited ability were eliminated but not being able to run, I learned quickly that it’s more about thinking about the game, understanding the skill needed to play a pass and find space. Had I started this as a kid, I think I’d have a better touch and could have been a better player in the running game.

What do you get (if anything) from walking football?
For me it started as a bit of exercise, but quickly became a social activity. Being part of a group of like minded men and women (at times) who still want to compete and take part as a team. It’s introduced me to people from walks of life, where in normal circumstances would never have crossed my path.

Funniest thing you’ve seen (or experienced) in walking football?
There is not one thing that stands out, but hearing some of the bickering from a bunch of Old men does tickle me.

Outside of walking football, do you have interests in any other sport?
I love to walk in all areas of Scotland, taking in the beautiful and picturesque backdrop that it offered.
I was a keen squash player, and hope to get back in to this now were are finding normality back in our lives.
I played rugby through school and am still a fan of Scotland, taking in matches where I can.