Photo: Supplied.
CONTRIBUTED BY SIGGY NOWAK
From 12 to 16 October, Cleveland becomes a centre of the soccer world for the 70+ World Cup. This unique event, the first of its kind in Australia, features 6 countries, 26 teams and 450 players. It’s being held at Redlands United Football Club fields and will attract over 1000 visitors and spectators, many hailing from overseas. The most remarkable aspect of the competition is that all the players are over 70 years old. Several players are over 80.
Siggy Nowak, a Cleveland resident and player in the Over-75 Australian team, is part of the organising committee. He emphasises the immense effort required to plan such a successful tournament, ensuring a fantastic experience for players and their families.
“We have buy-in from many local businesses and community members who are freely giving up their time to help make this event a memorable experience for everyone.”
Nowak highlights the diverse range of players from various states representing Australia, as well as competing teams from Japan, Germany, Wales, Canada and the USA. He anticipates a soccer feast for fans, especially given the presence of quality veteran players in their twilight years.
Oasis Masters Football president Keith Pierce accepted the international committee’s offer to host the event in Australia. He is quick to point out that Oasis stands for ‘Old And Still Into Soccer’.
Siggy reveals that 21 Australian players in this competition hail from Queensland. He and Malcolm Sutherland reside in Cleveland, and both express their love of living in this area, describing it as Australia’s best-kept secret.
Mark Thig, president of Redlands United Football Club, is thrilled that the club grounds were chosen to host the competition. He, along with Redland City Council’s local representatives Peter Mitchell (Economic Development) and Jason Colley (Sport and Recreation), and Suzie Tafolo from the Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce, are fully supportive of this initiative. The Council has generously provided a substantial grant to the organisers. It is distributing brochures and maps to educate visiting players about the area’s wide range of eateries, shopping and sightseeing offerings.
At 78, Siggy has never stopped kicking the ball. Siggy assures everyone in his age group that they shouldn’t stop playing football, because it keeps bodies active. Malcolm Sutherland, 77, agrees, saying players might be slowing down, but they make the ball do all the running.
The Oasis committee is encouraging everyone in the Cleveland area to come along and show support for Australia – three Over-70s teams, the two Over-75s teams and the Over-80s oldies – as they strive to win the World Cup in their divisions.
More information about the tournament can be found on the website www.70pluswc2026.com.
