This Site provides a resource for Australians who seek to maintain or enhance their health and social interaction through participation in the gentle activity of Walking Football.
MOST IMPORTANTLY:
This health and socially based activity is for both MEN and WOMEN of all ages.
It is an activity requiring no previous skill in kicking a ball – you just need a little enthusiasm, be able to walk at your own pace and the ability to have fun – the enjoyment will look after itself!
This site will attempt to list current events for groups and/or venues staging walking football activities throughout Australia.
At present most States (but no all) are represented, however that may change as the enjoyment spreads and we get to know about them.
Activity groups and venues are listed for each State via the links above.
If a playing group and/or venue within a given State has their own website(s), that link will be provided.
Please be aware, the information/links on this Site are sourced at the time of listing and could become outdated over time and therefore beyond our control. Of course we will do our best to keep those happenings to a minimum.
The information is compiled and presented on a not for profit, pro bono basis and we thank you for your understanding.
To aid and assist participation:-
Download Football Australia’s Walk2Perform+ Information
(which shows some Warm Up, Cool Down and at-home conditioning routines)
Wikipedia defines the activity as follows:
Walking football is a variant of association football that is aimed at keeping people involved with football if, due to a lack of mobility or for other reasons, they are not able to play the traditional game. The sport can be played both indoors and outdoors. Walking football was devised, during 2011, by the Chesterfield F.C. Community Trust. Coverage of a session on Sky Sports News and a documentary aired on Sky Sports Football in October 2017, led to several other clubs taking up this version of the game. It has since become a current craze.
Though based on association football, the key difference in the rules, from standard football, is that if a player runs then they concede a free kick to the other side. This restriction, together with a ban on slide tackles, is aimed both at avoiding injuries and facilitating the playing of the sport by those who are physically disadvantaged. The manner in which the sport is played promotes cardiovascular fitness whilst producing the least stress on the body. It also helps participants maintain an active lifestyle. In walking football the game was originally played without goalkeepers (though goalkeepers now play in some variations) and, crucially, the ball must never be kicked above hip height. Different footballs are used in the indoor and the outdoor variations of the sport. When played indoors, a size 4 futsal ball is used. Outdoor games involve a traditional football. The size of the pitch can vary to suit different locations. The length should be from 20 to 40 yards and the width between 15 and 30 yards.
The sport came to wider public attention in July 2014, when Barclays Bank aired a television advertisement featuring walking football to promote their services.
View ABC News Article – Could walking football be a game changer for older people?