The group could purchase the new strips due to a £450 grant from the fund.

Walking football is open to males in Maybole aged 50 and older – with the oldest participant being 78. It aims to boost physical and mental health wellbeing, address social isolation and improve connections between people.

Alison Lamont, Ayrshire Housing’s director of Housing and Communities, said: “Staying connected to others is an important part of maintaining positive health and wellbeing at every stage of life.

“Walking football offers participants the opportunity to remain physically active, develop friendships and be part of a supportive community.”

A total of £15,000 has been invested from the housing association through the fund in local community projects during the past year. 

To support more grassroots groups in the coming year, the housing association has committed to a further £15,000.

Tenants decide the way money is earmarked from the fund. They assess applications, identify local priorities, and determine how funding should be allocated to projects that provide advantages for their communities.

During the course of the last year, grants have helped a variety of initiatives, from youth sports teams and community centres to carers’ organisations, wellbeing programmes, heritage projects and activities addressing social isolation.

Lamont added: “The impact statements we’ve received show just how much can be achieved when community groups are given the support they need to grow, connect people and make a lasting difference.”