QMU’s walking football group celebrates 3rd anniversary
In January, Queen Margaret University's walking-football initiative, which brings older men from the local community together to play football at the University's Sports Centre, marks its third anniversary.
Launched in 2023, as a four-month funded intergenerational project, walking-football has evolved into a sustained community success story. What began as a university-led initiative to combat social isolation has flourished into a self-sustaining group that continues to meet weekly, with participants choosing to maintain their involvement well beyond the original funding period.
The anniversary celebration game, which will take place on 16th January at the Queen Margaret University Sports Centre, will highlight the lasting impact that university-community partnerships can achieve, and how they can successfully encourage participants to stay active, build meaningful connections, and foster a stronger sense of community belonging. The group has become a vital social hub for older men in East Lothian, promoting fitness, friendship, and wellbeing through regular sessions at the QMU Sports Centre.
Dr Christos Theodorakopoulos, Research Fellow at Queen Margaret University, who conceptualised the original project, discussed the significance of the initiative's longevity:
QMU’s walking-football is more than just a sports activity; it is a bridge between the University and the wider community. By opening our doors and creating opportunities for people of different ages and backgrounds to come together, we strengthen social bonds and promote wellbeing. This project reflects QMU’s commitment to making a positive contribution to our wider community, ensuring that people of all ages know that they matter.
The fact that these men have maintained their commitment for three years demonstrates the critical role such initiatives play in addressing social isolation among older men, a demographic often overlooked in community health programmes.
Social justice is a guiding principle of Queen Margaret University, so embracing equality, diversity, inclusion and community support, is important to us. Initiatives like Walking Fit-ball demonstrate how universities can play a vital role in tackling social isolation, encouraging healthier lifestyles, and fostering intergenerational understanding.
For more information about QMU Sports activities and groups, please contact E: SportsReception@qmu.ac.uk or T: 0131 474 0150.
For media enquires contact Lynne Russell, Communications Manager, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, E: lrussell@qmu.ac.uk (copy to pressoffice@qmu.ac.uk) or M: 07711 011239.
