Older people in Australia and overseas are taking to the field with a version of soccer that suits them — walking football – and it’s about to take off in Noosa.
Walking football organiser Dom Massoni believes this new sport will be a big hit with the area’s active retirees.
Walking football is exactly as the name suggests, he said.
There are six players a side, 20-minute halves and no physical contact. It’s played on a smaller than standard soccer field or indoor court and players (men and women) walk instead of run.
The emphasis is on getting active and having fun and its popularity in Australia is expected to follow the United Kingdom which already has 800 clubs.
After launching pilot programs Football NSW now has more than 7000 registered players.
The sport began in Brisbane in January this year and has already attracted 65 participants.
Dom said the game would suit both older players who have given up the game or novices who want to give it a try.
He plans to set up teams in age groups over 40, 50 and 60s and games can be organised at times to suit participants.
Getting older does not mean you have to stop doing the things you love.
And health experts say sports such as this, which build fitness and balance, can actually help prevent chronic illnesses, injuries and even dementia.
As well as better health walking football is a social game, where participants can meet new people and avoid isolation, Dom said.
For more information check out Walking football Sunshine Coast on facebook, email dom@greenpet.com.au, or call Dom on 0408 853 468.
