‘Saunter Shield’ Returns for Second Year

Eight walking football teams came together in the sunshine at Lough Moss Leisure Centre on Friday 28 August for the second annual ‘Saunter Shield’ tournament. This year’s event welcomed some new additions, making it bigger and better than before.

The event was organised by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council in partnership with Community Sports Network and their Danderball Walking Football Programme and the NI Walking Football Federation. The aim of the tournament was to showcase the continued growth of walking football, encouraging people to stay active while enjoying the social and competitive side of the sport.

Hosts Carryduff Swifts were joined by walking football teams Ballymena, Bangor, Avoniel/Shankill, CALA (representing Carrickfergus and Larne), Hillsborough, Scrabo Strollers and Crusaders.

After a day of great matches, Scrabo Strollers were crowned champions for the second year in a row, securing a 1-0 victory over Hillsborough in the final.

Alongside the Saunter Shield, a ‘Player of the Tournament’ Trophy was also presented. The winner was chosen by referees from Northern Ireland Walking Football Federation (NIWFF), who recognised strong performances from various players throughout the day, however Ronnie Carleton from Ballymena was selected as the deserving winner.

Speaking at the event, Chair of the Communities and Wellbeing Committee, Councillor Sharon Lowry, said: “It was fantastic to see the Saunter Shield return for its second year and even better, to see more teams getting involved. The growth of walking football is a great example of how sport can bring local communities together, encouraging people to stay active while also providing opportunities to socialise and make new connections.

I’m delighted that Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, in partnership with Community Sports Network and the NIWFF, has been able to organise another successful tournament.

Congratulations to Scrabo Striders and to all the teams who participated. I hope the Saunter Shield continues to grow from strength to strength in the years ahead.”

David Lemon, secretary of the Northern Ireland Walking Football Federation (NIWFF) added: “A big thank you to Lisburn & Castlereagh Council and the staff at Lough Moss Leisure Centre for hosting a fantastic tournament. The venue had everything needed, the weather was fine and it was great to see so many older people being active and having fun. Walking football continues to grow in popularity and in the past year three new clubs have affiliated to NIWFF, and we are keen to add some more over the next year."

Pictured: Chair of the Communities and Wellbeing Committee, Councillor Sharon Lowry with ‘Saunter Shield’ champions Scrabo Strollers, who have claimed the title for the second year running.

Anyone with information on walking football sessions taking place in their area can contact David at squeezy.lemon@btinternet.com and NIWFF will be happy to support the development of new clubs.

For anyone wishing to get involved with Carryduff Swifts, they meet and play every Friday morning from 11am to 12 noon on the 4G pitch at Lough Moss Leisure Centre. For more information contact Eamon Quinn on 07485163690.