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Seniors Kicking Goals

13 Sep 2017

A modified football program aimed at getting NSW ageing population active has been announced by Football NSW in collaboration with NSW Government – Family & Community Services.

Several Football NSW Associations will facilitate Walking Football programs as an additional offering during the 2017/18 Summer Football season as stated at the official launch on Tuesday that featured the Minister for Sport, Stuart Ayres and the Minister for Ageing, Tanya Davies, held at Penrith’s Jamison Park.

Football NSW will officially launch its Walking Football programs in the coming month with the NSW Government but such is the positive feedback, programs are already taking registrations.

Walking Football programs are facilitated to provide male and female players the opportunity to continue playing or participate in football for the first time in a fun, sociable and inclusive environment.

The program focuses on passing rather than speed/running; flexible with its formats and accessible to the community and prospective players

“We are thrilled to launch our first official Walking Football programs and are adamant this format is a football offering that will continue to grow and be recognised as an integral offering in the football community,” Football NSW CEO Stuart Hodge explained.

“Walking Football is one of the fastest growing formats in the UK and we can see no reason why it won’t be mirrored here. The ability to participate in a fun, social, accessible and inclusive environment with a program which addresses many common barriers to participation.”

The partnership between Football NSW and NSW Government – Family & Community Services will develop sustainable and ongoing programs to encourage older people to make exercise a normal part of their routine.

The program will highlight the health, wellbeing and social benefits of regular football and exercise activities for older people.

WHAT IS WALKING FOOTBALL

The Football NSW Walking Football programs are a slow-paced version of the beautiful game aimed at over 50s (male and female).
Matches are played on weeknights with modified formats (5v5/6v6) on smaller pitches with shortened game times;
Walking Football is non-contact with the Walking Rule defined as ‘always having one foot on the ground’
Football NSW Walking Football programs are designed to help people maintain an active lifestyle; and promote participation of the beautiful game in a fun, inclusive and social environment.

WALKING FOOTBALL – WHERE CAN I PLAY?