GALA Fairydean Rovers’ walking footballers will return to competitive action next year in the National Over 60s East League at the Oriam in Edinburgh,

The tournament starts in February 2023 and with game days in April, June, September and November.

Walking football started in the town in 2014 with indoor sessions at Langlee for both men and women aged over 50.

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Since then it has evolved to three outdoor sessions each week at Netherdale and the club have around 30 members.

Gala were one of the founding members of the Walking Football Scotland league tournament at Ravenscraig and pre-COVID were considered to be one of the top teams in the country, regularly finishing in the top three.

The team also competed in many tournaments throughout the country winning their home tournament in 2016 and the Kelso tournament three years later.

In 2016 the squad travelled to Portugal and played in the prestigious Browns tournament and reached the semi-final without conceding a goal before being knocked out following a penalty shootout.

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Chairman John Hislop said: “I am delighted that the guys have voted to play in tournaments again.

“The club was always highly regarded in walking football circles and Walking Football Scotland have been keen to get us back playing competitively.

“We last played in a pre-European Championship tournament held at Toryglen ahead of the main event and we represented Budapest.

“The tournament was suspended due to COVID and after nine games we had only lost once.

“Because of transport and changing facility issues we withdrew from that tournament and apart from a recent event at Innerleithen, we haven’t competed since.

“So we could do with some additions to the squad. Walking football is a great way of getting fit and it’s harder than most people imagine.

“If anyone is interested just come along to one of our sessions which are held at Netherdale on Mondays and Thursdays at 2pm and Tuesday nights at 7pm.

“You will be made welcome. But it’s not just about the health benefits or playing competitively.

“It’s all about having fun, meeting new people and making friends.”