Walking Football
THE FAB NEW FITNESS CRAZE
Perhaps your days on the soccer pitch are long gone. But if you still have a hankering for a friendly kick-about, you might like to try Walking Football. Dean Evans, former professional footballer and founder of The Football Centre Perth, has brought the sport to Oz and it’s kicking off big time. “Football, much like any other sport is one that requires a level of fitness, skill and ability in order to play a professional or competitive game,” says Evans. “However, football has also been a go-to social sport for after-work tournaments or weekend catch-ups.”
Targeted at the over 50s (and beyond), Walking Football teams are usually made up of five to six players and a match consists of two 20-minute halves. The rules are you must always have one foot on the ground. “It offers people the chance to play a slower, more focused match,” says Evans. “Walking football is a great source of physical activity allowing the rules of football to be adapted into a slower, more paced environment.”
Walking Football encourages players a chance to stay fit, socialise and practise new (or old) skills. “The benefit of a walking game is that due to the pace of the match it can be played in a park or indoor football facility rather than a traditional pitch.” Run in partnership with Active Ageing, this is a great addition to the Aussie outdoor lifestyle and could even be played at home with your grandkids! To find a club near you, google “Walking Football Australia”.