With the summer football season fast approaching, Football Federation Australia (FFA) today encouraged senior Australians across the country to get healthy and make new friends by signing up for Walking Football.
The social, small-sided version of the game, specifically modified for older Australians, is being rolled out nationally in metropolitan, regional and remote locations, and players are being urged to sign up fast to secure their place.
FFA has teamed up with national partner Active Ageing Australia to promote the availability of programs with the release of an animated video, which explains this new and exciting version of the World Game.
FFA Chief Executive David Gallop AM said he was excited to see Walking Football kick-off across the country. “A lot of work has gone into this project over the past months with our partners the Australian Government and Active Ageing Australia.”
“We are thrilled that so many clubs and organisations have signed up to offer Walking Football programs to their local communities.”
He added “The animated video explains the Walking Football concept perfectly, and I’m sure it will encourage prospective participants to sign up and realise the social, mental and physical health benefits that this version of the game provides.”
Active Ageing Australia Chief Executive Melanie Smith said “We are delighted to partner with FFA and produce this video to highlight what a great program Walking Football is. I think our creative designer has done an amazing job.”
“Walking Football will be a game-changer for thousands of older Australians and will create new visions and possibilities for actively ageing in this country.”
The Australian Government has invested $1.8 million via Sport Australia’s Move It Aus Better Ageing Grants to help launch Walking Football nationally. Minister for Youth and Sport and Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said Walking Football would support the whole community to be more active.
“Being engaged in physical activity such as Walking Football is a great way to increase your physical health, mental health and the strength of local football clubs, and also helps people maintain community, social and sporting connections.”
Programs are being rolled out over the next few months through Member Federations in every state and territory.
