Photo: Supplied.
CONTRIBUTED BY REDLANDS UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB’S WALKING FOOTBALL TEAM
Every Wednesday at 7:00pm, Cleveland’s Redlands United Football Club grounds host a thriving walking football session. Organiser Siggy Nowak proudly proclaims that it’s the second fastest-growing team sport in the world for older people, after pickleball.
Siggy is the manager of the Australian Walking Football Representative Over 70 team, which will be competing in the Walking Football World Cup in Spain in October.
“Walking football is a sport found all over the world,” he says. Siggy’s passion for the game is evident as he emphasises its numerous benefits. “It’s a great way to coax older people out of the house and off their couches, meeting like-minded souls in the spirit of camaraderie and togetherness,” he says. “The advantages are countless. We even have Mark Thig, president of RUFC, joining in.” Mark cleverly reflects the club’s policy that “football never stops in Redlands United – you start as a junior, progress to seniors, graduate to veterans, and finish with a flourish playing walking football. Some would even call this our walking football development program!”
Walking football, introduced about eight years ago, aims to encourage people to enjoy kicking a round ball for fun and exercise. Its appeal lies in its accessibility, as it’s a sport that doesn’t involve running and has a no-tackling rule for added safety. The ball can’t go higher than head height, making it the one that does all the ‘running’. The pitch is small, and the goals are equally compact.
Each week, local mums, dads, and grandparents gather for an hour of exercise. There’s no need to be a seasoned player; anyone can join in and experience the excitement. Claire recently visited the session and is now totally hooked. “I’ll be bringing my son along next week,” she exclaims. “It’s such a cool sport – exactly what I needed. It’s safe, everyone is so welcoming, and even for a newbie like me with no background in soccer at all.”
Siggy quickly emphasises the open invitation, welcoming everyone to join.
Robbie Duncanson, one of the original walking football participants, is almost 80 and loves spending an hour with his fellow footballers. Robbie is quick to explain the essence of the game: “Walking football demonstrates the fundamental principles of soccer. You stop the ball, look around, select the best option, pass it, and then move into an open position to receive the return ball. All the while, you’re exercising without even realising it. And most importantly, you are not required to run.”
If you haven’t seen this rapidly growing sport in action, it’s time to come over and give it a try. You’ll find plenty of laughter, fun, and gentle exercise. The best part? The Wednesday night session is free; just turn up and look out for some oldies strolling around kicking the round ball, giggling and thoroughly enjoying the exercise. For more information, contact Siggy on 0413 620 743.
