A GREENOCK football star is harnessing the power of the beautiful game to bring men together for a kickabout every week.
Craig Molloy has set up a walking football group which runs at Lady Octavia Sports Centre every Thursday from 11.30am to 12.30pm.
The sessions, which have been made possible thanks to warm hand of friendship funding from Inverclyde Council, are helping men across Inverclyde keep fit and healthy and socialise.
Craig said: "Some of the older generation in Inverclyde have been very involved in football, and have played in a lot of teams over the years.
"It's a great group for the guys to meet old friends that they maybe haven't seen for years, and to meet new people and socialise.
"Along with the football, there's a real social side to it.
"They're a great group of guys.
"We've had a good amount of people along over the last couple of weeks and we want to keep building on it."
Craig Molloy with the walking footballers (Image: George Munro) After the game is finished, the players get the chance to tuck into a free lunch.
Greenock footballing legend John McMaster has been showing off his skills in the sessions.
(Image: George Munro) John, who grew up in Gibshill and still lives locally, was part of the iconic Pittodrie team that beat the mighty Real Madrid in the 1983 Cup Winners’ Cup final in Gothenburg.
The Gothenburg great and ex-Morton coach said: "This is a great group, and I think what Craig is doing is fantastic.
"It's not just about the football, it's about the social side of it.
"People maybe haven't seen each other for ages.
"It's good for us to all get to know each other and have a kickabout.
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"We want more people to come along on a Thursday and join us."
After the game, Iain Millar said: "That's the hardest I've worked over the last 10 years!
"It gets you talking to people and gets you out and about so you're not just sitting in the house."
Craig Molloy Coaching CIC became a social enterprise in November 2024.
John McMaster with Craig and the team (Image: George Munro) Craig, who played for teams including St Mirren, Stenhousemuir, and Brechin City, now coaches more than 120 youngsters and New Scots teams, and runs Action for Children sessions and holiday camps.
He worked in residential care for 15 years and said he knows how much of an impact football can have on people.
Craig added: "I coach people from two to 72.
"I want to make football affordable and sustainable for all.
"It's about trying to bring people together."
