Cumnock's walking football team has been recognised for its outstanding community work and sporting achievments.

The Townhead Strollers help anyone aged 50 and over keep fit, with various age groups available.

Last month, the over 65s team won the Glasgow Cup at a tournament at Toryglen in Glasgow, in the shadow of Hampden Park.

The team was announced as a finalist in the Team Performance of the Year 2023 category at the East Ayrshire Sports Council and Talented Athlete Awards- with the eventual winners being named as Kilmarnock Harriers girls's under-15 relay team.

The awards celebrate and recognise East Ayrshire’s most talented athletes, sports clubs and volunteers.

Cumnock Chronicle: Some of the award winners.Some of the award winners. (Image: East Ayrshire Council)

Elsewhere, Ross McCulloch from Craigmark Youth Football Club was also announced as a finalist in the Service to Sport 2023 category - with the late Billy Fulton of Hurlford Badminton Club, who sadly and unexpectedly passed away in July this year coming out on top.

This year saw more than 40 athletes being supported through the Talented Athlete Support Programme with all athletes either national or international champions, or representing their country in their chosen sport. 

During the 14 years since the Talented Athlete Support Programme began, there have been several notable achievements that have put East Ayrshire on the sporting map, not only nationally, but internationally.

To date, the programme has supported more than 700 local athletes, including six Special Olympians, from a diverse range of sports to achieve:

  • Olympic Games representation for Team GB
  • 2 Commonwealth Games Medals – 1 Silver, 1 Bronze
  • 27 World Champions
  • 9 World Championship Runners-up
  • 13 European Champions
  • 66 British Champions
  • 258 Scottish National Champions
  • 78 Scottish National Silver Medals
  • 64 International Football Caps
  • 69 International Rugby Caps
  • 33 Special Olympic Medals – 15 Gold, 10 Silver, 8 Bronze

 Joan O’Sullivan, chair of the East Ayrshire Sports Council, said: “We are committed to supporting our athletes to fulfil their potential and excel in their chosen sports both nationally and internationally.

"With so many athletes being supported, it really does demonstrate that East Ayrshire has produced and will continue to produce top class athletes through their hard work, determination and commitment.”

Councillor Douglas Reid, East Ayrshire Council's leader, added: “Volunteers really are the backbone to community and grassroots sport and fully deserve to be recognised for their time and efforts.

"It’s great to see East Ayrshire at the forefront of competitive sport as well as providing so many recreational opportunities from pre-school and grassroots through to over 80s Walking Football and social running clubs.

“For one of the smaller localities we really do punch above our weight with amazing talented athletes, clubs and volunteers who all ensure that sport in East Ayrshire is thriving.”