On the 23rd of September walking footballers from all over Scotland and beyond gathered at Starks Park to remember our great friend and fellow walking footballer John Cunningham. It was a day to remember John and to enjoy one of the many things John enjoyed in his life, playing football with like minded people and above all having fun.
The day started with an introduction from Willie Carroll, a friend of John’s for many years and the reason John started playing walking football.
“Firstly a huge thank you all for coming along today to attend this festival in memory of a much loved friend, John Cunningham.
I, for one, know that John would have been the first person to put his name down as a player in this if it was for anyone else.
So, on to John.
John was a long time acquaintance of mine and it was on a Saturday afternoon when me and Michelle were out for a drink that we bumped into John and his wife Fiona and got chatting. I asked him if he would be interested in playing walking football. And like many others (including me) he laughed and said “No thanks. That’s for auld dudes.” Anyway, one thing led to another and he agreed to come along. The first night he came along he loved it, met up with guys he already knew and made many new friends. He enjoyed it so much he even moonlighted with another team in the over 60s league, playing for the wee team along the road AKA Fife Wanderers.
John was a friendly, lovable guy who enjoyed not just football but also golf and squash. His only downside was he was a Hibbee! No one’s perfect I suppose.
So today is all about remembering John and his happy go lucky attitude. So let’s have some fun all playing together and having a bit fun. I know John would approve of this.
So once again thanks for coming. Let’s play the game the way it should be played.
Oh and remember. The ref’s always right.“
There are no match reports as no scores were kept, officially that is but I’m sure there were many keeping score when playing against teammates, so below you’ll find reflections on the day from some of those who took part.
5 attended from Dunbar including myself , Alan Turner , Craig Morrison , Davy Somerville and Tony Reekie on behalf of us , thanks to all who put on a very fitting day for John , the organisation and hospitality was first class .
It was a pleasure meeting and playing with people from all over the East of Scotland
Today was Johns day ⚽️ the Raith Rovers Community and all who attended did John proud.
Richard Gdulewicz
I was there in my capacity as Eastern Region rep and can definitely agree that the day was run brilliantly and RRWF should be commended. Well done to all who organised and took part. No disciplinary issues that I saw and all games were played in a great spirit.
We need more of these festivals as it definitely encourages camaraderie amongst players from all clubs in the Eastern Region.
Mike J Burnett
Brilliant day thanks to all ⚽️
Bruce Simpson
Great and well organised festival.👏👏👏
Pleasure meeting new people and playing with different guys 👍
Jimmy Mcintosh
Fabulous day out well done boys 👋
Keith Jenkin
Excellent day, huge thanks to the organisers and for celebrating John in this way. Big shout to my fellow Yellow team
Michael Cranston
Michael Cranston brilliant day and great bunch to play with , hope to see yous all soon ⚽️🏴👍
Bruce Simpson
Michael Cranston really enjoyed playing with you guys. Games were all played in a great spirit, how it should be. A lovely tribute to John..
Jack Gorman
Very enjoyable day and great fun, thanks for the hospitality too 👍
Allan Harrison
Great day well deserved memorial
Harry Gilfillan
Great day and well organised thanks for having us ⚽️👍
Alan Durno
Great day playing football
Can hardly walk now, however was well worth it. Cheers. To all attended and played.
David Somerville
Very well organised event, well done, I was a great day
Martin Kennedy
Great day , well done to the organisers and everyone who took part.
David Meek
Aye great day of football ! Fitting tribute and smart wee park, made new friends and well organised by RRWFC !
Alan Turner
Below is a gallery of many pics taken on the day. Some players may appear to be running but that is just a trick of the camera. 😉
RRCF Walking Football 