FOOTBALL’S top body last week signed a new partnership to support healthy living, with the venture backed by former Scotland boss Craig Brown.

The Scottish Football Association are delighted to welcome national alcohol education charity Dr inkaware as the new research partner of walking football in Scotland.

Supported by the Scottish FA and Walking Football Scotland, the sport aims to improve, maintain and promote the physical, mental and social wellbeing of older adults through a slowerpaced version of the beautiful game.

Through the partnership, Drinkaware will gather vital information from walking football participants on their health and alcohol consumption.

This will allow them to monitor participants’ drinking habits and subsequently try to improve them.

Dr inkaware will also distribute information on drinking and its effects on health to walking football participants to educate them on the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption and the benefits of regular exercise.

Ian Maxwell, Chief Executive of the Scottish FA, said: “Walking football is a fastgrowing initiative with clear health benefits, which dovetails with Drinkaware’s mission of promoting healthier lifestyles through a reduction in alcohol consumption.

Elaine Hindal, Drinkaware Chief Executive, said: “Drinkaware is delighted to be the headline partner of walking football in Scotland.”

Brown added: “Walking football is a fantastic way for people of my generation, who are perhaps no longer able to play at a quick pace, to participate in this wonderful sport and remain active.”