GALA Fairydean Rovers' season may have ended with a disappointing cup exit last Saturday, but there will be a team from Netherdale continuing to fly the flag.

And the eight players from the Gala Fairydean Rovers Walking Football team will be heading for Europe.

The team, who won their own festival last weekend, will take part in a tournament in Vilamoura, Portugal competing against other walking footballers from across the continent.

The players jet out today (Wednesday) to compete in a series of five aside games lasting 20 minutes.

The team will play in a set of new club strips handed over to the squad by Chairman of Gala Fairydean Rovers Kevin Temple last Friday night.

Mr Temple told us: “It is fantastic that a team representing Gala Fairydean Rovers will take part in this prestigious international tournament.

"Walking football is a fantastic way for the over 50s to keep active and stay involved in playing football.

"We are delighted that the guys have come on board and are now fully integrated into our football club.”

The rules of walking football are much the same as normal football with some noticeable differences.

The games take place between smaller sides (between five and seven players), free kicks are indirect, kick-ins replace throws, there are no off-sides, the ball must be kept below head height and most importantly of all, players are not allowed to run.

This slowed down version of the game makes it ideal for older players or those who have suffered injuries that prevent them from running.

Chairman of the Gala Fairydean Rovers Walking Football Team is John Hislop.

John said: “We are all looking forward to representing Gala Fairydean Rovers in Portugal.

"We have been in good form recently and hope that continues. The rules for the competition are slightly different to how we normally play but we have been practising and we will all do our best."

Walking Football in Galashiels was established just over a year ago by the Community Capacity Building Team of Scottish Borders Council and has since become an official part of the Gala Fairydean Rovers Community Engagement Programme.

The squad play on Monday afternoons at Langlee Community Centre and on Thursday afternoons at the 3G Arena, Netherdale.

For further information on Walking Football in Galashiels and the Borders contact Lynne Marshall of Scottish Borders Council on 01835 825 080 or for information on the Gala Fairydean Rovers Walking Football Team and sponsorship opportunities contact club secretary Graeme McIver on 07738 615 562.