Inverness Caledonian Thistle walking footballers mark a decade of club being established with special celebration
Inverness Caledonian Thistle's walking footballers marked the 10th anniversary of their weekly sessions when two of the original attendees were at the centre of the celebration.
Kenny Mackenzie (82) and Davy Murray (79) were among the 10 players in 2015 who attended the launch of walking football at a two-hour session at the Hilton Community Centre when ICT stars, Graeme Shinnie, Marley Watkins and Danny Devine took part to offer encouragement.
Both Mackenzie and Murray still attend the weekly sessions, now held at the Highland Rugby Club's all weather pitch at the Bught Park and jointly cut a celebratory cake to mark the milestone.
The sessions, now lasting one hour, regularly attract more than 20 attendees with many meeting afterwards for a cup of tea or coffee.
ICT Community Development Manager Craig Masterton said: "Improving mental and physical health is one of the main aims of Walking Football and Kenny and Davy are great examples of the benefits of the “slower version of the beautiful game”.
Mackenzie, the former chairman of the Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland's Inverness Bravehearts, underwent a triple by-pass operation in 2008 and Walking Football proved a rewarding part of his rehabilitation.
He said: “I greatly look forward to our Thursday walking football sessions. They are really well organised by the Community Development Team, who provide bibs and referee games, ensuring the rules are adhered to, such as no running and that the game is played in the proper spirit."
In 2018, Mackenzie was skipper of the Inverness Caledonian Thistle Walking Football Team that won the Fair Play Award at the Walking Football Scotland annual Scottish Cup and Festival held at Glasgow Green.
Murray is a retired newspaper photographer who kept fit by attending swimming sessions at Culloden Academy when he was advised by his friend and fellow swimming enthusiast John Laird of the walking football to be run by the ICT Community Development Team.
Both have remained active members of the sessions.
He said: "It’s a good fun way to exercise and socialise and I really enjoy the camaraderie of the Thursday sessions. It is a highlight of my week."
