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Graham Emans can be described as one of the Rangers Charity Foundation’s biggest supporters. He first became involved with our community programmes through Football Fans In Training. After that, he was motivated to stay active and has since taken advantage of more Foundation programmes. Graham is now a regular at our Walking Football programme and also participates in many of our events, raising funds for the Foundation through various personal challenges.

Getting Started with Football Fans In Training

Two years on from attending his first programme, Graham took time to reflect on his personal journey and talks about the importance of our Walking Football project in helping him maintain his new healthy lifestyle.

He said:

“It was at the end of 2023 when I first became aware of what the Foundation does, and I saw the Football Fans In Training course advertised. I’ve always kind of had problems with my weight, and I just thought to myself that it was time to give something a go seriously.”

“From there, I started the programme in January of last year, and towards the end of that course, the coaches mentioned the Walking Football programme to me, so I started going on Thursday mornings. The great thing is, although I work full-time, my employers have been good enough to give me the time off each week to come down here.”

Discovering the Benefits of Walking Football

Our FREE Walking Football programme for anyone aged 50 and over is a great way to get more active and enjoy the social aspects that being part of a club can deliver. What sets Walking Football apart for Graham is the sense of enjoyment and consistency it brings. Unlike previous attempts to stick to fitness routines, this programme combines physical activity with a strong social focus. The welcoming atmosphere has made it easy for Graham to stay motivated.

He added:

“Walking Football is probably the first thing I’ve stuck to after completing a programme. I’ve been to loads of gyms, courses, and the like, but this is the first time I’ve stuck to something and enjoyed it at the same time. It’s enjoyable and fun but also keeping me fit in the long term as well.”

“Since last January, I’ve lost 11kg, and it’s just that no-pressure atmosphere at Walking Football that helps me keep working towards being healthier.”

“I think the reason that I stuck at this is down to the people who attend each week and the coaches who take the project. The group environment is so relaxed and there’s no pressure. Everybody is so welcoming and easy to get on with — which is what you would expect when you get forty to sixty people coming along to this each week.”

The Social and Mental Health Benefits of Walking Football

The benefits Graham has experienced extend beyond physical fitness. His involvement in Walking Football, along with other Foundation programmes focused on mental health, has had a noticeable impact on his overall mental wellbeing.

Graham said:

“I’m a lot fitter when I compare myself to when I had just started coming along, but from a mental aspect as well, it’s been excellent. I’ve previously joined some of the mental health programmes the Foundation runs too. That, combined with coming here every week, has made a massive difference to my mental health. I can see a difference in myself around the house, with my partner and kids, and even my work has said that they can see a positive change in my mental health.”

“Although I feel much better mentally compared to when I look back, coming here still allows me to escape the pressures of work and home. It just allows me to clear my head, which is vital for me. To be able to come and have a chat with people can really make a difference.”

Even when faced with setbacks, Graham remained closely connected to the group. After being sidelined with a chest injury, he continued attending sessions to stay involved socially.

Graham explained:

“I actually took unwell last year with chest trauma and was out of the game for about 10 weeks, but as I started getting better, I wanted to come back down here. I would just come down and watch from the sidelines, but I’d stay for a cup of tea and a chat with everybody, so it felt great to still feel involved even though I couldn’t be out on the pitch.”

Encouraging Others to Try Walking Football

Graham’s experience has shown that Walking Football isn’t just for older adults or those already in shape. The mix of ages, fitness levels, and abilities creates an encouraging atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. His advice to others is simple: give it a try and discover the benefits for yourself.

He added:

“I’d say to anybody who was feeling like me before I started attending just to give it a go. I think sometimes people can stigmatize Walking Football and assume it’s for old people and things like that, but when you come here, you see that there are a lot of younger people too. I think just getting stuck in can make all the difference — and most importantly, you’ll find it fun.”

Walking Football is a fast-growing version of the sport that is non-contact and allows participants to play the game they love without the same risk of injury or level of exertion, while still boosting fitness.

BOXT Sponsorship and the Future of Walking Football

The programme’s success this season wouldn’t have been possible without the backing of the club’s Official Sleeve Partner, BOXT. Their support has ensured that Walking Football remains accessible to those who need it most.

Graham was invited by BOXT to Ibrox for the recent fixture against St Mirren where he was given two hospitality places in the Main Stand, a signed shirt and was given the opportunity to watch the warm-up from the closest seats in Ibrox, the BOXT Bench.

He said:

“The experience was amazing and I can’t thank the BOXT team enough for inviting me along for the day. It was an experience I’ll never forget and to be able to watch the team that close up was incredible.”

“I think it’s fantastic that BOXT have stepped up and sponsored the programme this season. This programme is vital, and there are probably people who come here, and this is all they have to look forward to during the week. Other people might not have much social interaction and this is their main way of talking about things, so BOXT keeping this going throughout this season has helped not just me, but so many other people as well.”

The sessions take place at the Ibrox Community Complex, 80 Hinshelwood Drive, Glasgow, G51 2XD, on Thursdays at 11 a.m. For more information, email rangerscharity@rangers.co.uk or call 0141 580 8775.

The Rangers Charity Foundation is grateful to have received funding for this programme for the 2024/25 season from BOXT.