A DEDICATED Walking Football coach is set to spread the word of the inclusive games across Ayrshire after the success of his Cumnock group.

Derek King has been inspired by the sports positive impact on people’s health and well being as the group run through Cumnock Juniors reaches its milestone first anniversary.

The 52-year-old, who plays for Ayr United Walking Football at a competitive level, established the group in March last year, and now has a steady group of players including those in their 70s.

Derek told the Chronicle: “We started in Cumnock last March. We’ve been running nearly a year so it’s a big milestone is coming up for us.

“We have got a group there with such a range of ages in different conditions. We did a participant survey recently and found out that some members with health conditions have really benefitted.

“We have one member going through radiotherapy for prostate cancer and he says the aerobic exercise helps.

“We have guys with heart conditions and a member who had a hip-replacement.

“The whole ethos of the walking football is that it’s fun laidback, bit of banter a laugh it’s not too serious, it’s a three-touch game so anyone can do it, it doesn’t matter what their ability is. It’s inspiring to see what a difference it has made.”

The group was recently awarded a special recognition from the games chief Gary McLaughlin.

The team have also enjoyed a successful year on the park after they reached the quarter final of the Scottish Cup, won a tournament and came runners up in another.

Derek has told how Gary now wants him to get involved in encouraging more people to take part in the game and develop a South West Region league that more clubs can be involved in.