‘Walking football’ to help older Australians

The federal government has launched a campaign to get more older Australians playing ‘walking football’, a non-contact, low-impact version of the game.

Walking football programs will be rolled out in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and the ACT, and pilot programs will begin in South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory and Northern NSW.

There will be 110 walking football ‘hubs’ established over the next year, with the number increasing to 148 the following year.

Walking football is already hugely popular overseas, with around 800 clubs already in operation in England.

How is walking football played?

• Running is not allowed. A participant always has to have one foot on the ground.
• No contact is permitted.
• The ball cannot be kicked above head height.
• There is no heading of the ball.

Physical and psychological benefits

Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians and Minister for Youth and Sport, Richard Colbeck, said walking football is a great way to help older people be more active.

“Walking Football is a game designed to expand participation among senior Australians who love their football, or those who just want a fun new way to get active,” he said. 

“The fun and social aspect is just as important as the physical health benefits. 

“Pilot programs have shown it’s a great way to make new friends and reduce social isolation, with many of the participants meeting up outside game times.”

Program to create one million active hours

Each hub will run matches, and will employ activity coordinators to help participants with exercises they can do at home. 

“With structured matches and the at-home exercises, we’re aiming to deliver more than one million active hours across Australia,” Minister Colbeck said.

Adaptable and affordable game

Football Federation Australia CEO, David Gallop, said walking football is adaptable and affordable.

“The time, location, venues and numbers on each team can be adapted depending on the needs of participants in each area,” he said.

“We also want to make this program affordable to encourage as many older Australians as possible to participate. It’s all about getting active, having fun and making new friends.”

The campaign is being funded with a $1.8 million grant through the federal government’s program ‘Move It AUS – Better Ageing’, and is a joint initiative between Football Federation Australia and Active Ageing Australia.