Positivity and willingness to have fun are all that it takes to participate
Football (soccer) is one of the world’s most popular sports and participation and profile in Australia has increased following the Women’s World Cup last year.
Walking football is a gentler version of the sport, with no running or jumping, as one foot has to always remain on the ground.
For football lovers, especially seniors, this is the perfect alternative for those who lack the physical capacity and are looking for a non-contact way to keep themselves active and have fun while improving their physical and mental health.
Mona Vale’s Ian Stewart brought walking football to the Northern Beaches in 2017 after visiting his family in England.
“When I had my first game in England, I just thought, ‘how much fun is this?’” explains Ian, 67. “I retired from playing at the age of 50, but once I picked up the ball again, with a group, you just can’t beat playing the game.”
Ian says walking football has been well received in Australia as the main idea is to have fun, take care of each other and enjoy camaraderie. The groups meet weekly to practice at Cromer Park, Pittwater RSL and Mona Vale Bowling Club.
He also says that it’s important to play the game ‘in the right spirit’. The game should be fun, but it’s crucial to keep the emphasis on the safety aspect, with some players over 70 years old. “If you’re not playing walking football with a smile on your face, you’re not playing it properly.”
Psychologist Anita Van Aken has been playing walking football for the past five years. She learned about it after attending the Pittwater RSL women’s social group and met Ian Stewart.
“I was injured and wanted to slowly get back to playing football again, so Ian suggested it. The most beneficial thing is to be physically active and still play football, although at a slower pace. Of course, the social aspect is very important too.
“As a psychologist, I can see the benefits of older people continuing to play a sport that they’re passionate about. It’s also a way of connecting with other people, and It’s good for mental health as well. Often when retiring, people feel isolated, and being part of a group is important. The social connection is important as well as the added benefits of getting your heart rate up and still playing in the sport that you’re passionate about.
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“To me, I think the hardest thing in walking football is not to run. It is like a mindfulness exercise because you have to constantly remember to keep one foot on the ground”. I have to laugh when I say that and I hope I don’t get too many red cards for running,” she says.
This year, Anita is part of the over 60s team to represent Australia at the Walking Football World Cup which starts on 17 May in Chesterfield, England. “Australia is sending a number of men’s and women’s teams. This is a really big international representation, the biggest one ever, I believe, of Australia playing walking football,” she says.
Walking Football Northern Beaches aims to give people over 55 the opportunity to play the beautiful game at a more relaxed pace. It is open to experienced and novice players, men and women, for fun, exercise and camaraderie.
To join the group or learn more about the sessions, contact Ian on 0421 939 509 or visit the Walking Football Northern Beaches Group Facebook page.
