Rewind back to the UK circa 2011… many retirees, often living alone, yearned for more than the lonely walk, wanted to rekindle the spirit of yore on the pitch. This combined with the decreased physicality of getting out of the house, having a desire to improve fitness and have fun in the process, Walking Football was born.

The UK now has about 800 playing hubs. Fast forward to about 2019 and hubs were springing up in Australia to the point where Walking Football is now officially played in all capital cities including Adelaide. There are hubs in and around the suburbs, not to mention there are 2 hubs in the Adelaide Hills comprising of an all ages and over50s group.

The actual game is essentially a safely modified low impact version of football (soccer), played indoors at walking pace with many of the rules prioritising safety. Teams can be up to 6 a side, made up of players with varying degrees of experience to ensure balance. With no traditional onus on teams to win, the focus is on the game, the teamwork, the pinpointed passes, the missed shot at an open goal and fun. Every effort is made to encourage players with little football playing experience to all rise to the occasion, showing signs of confidence and improved ability, and a sense of accomplishment within a few sessions.  At the end of the day everybody’s a winner.

60-90 minute sessions are broken down to 15 minute mini sessions, providing players with a few minutes break to rest and have a drink of water. For many, the first challenge is to temper that urge to run – it takes time and effort – but so rewarding when you make that beautiful pass or move into a goal scoring position at walking pace.

Benefits of Walking Football are both mental and physical. Sessions provide an inclusive social setting for attendees, becoming their ‘highlight of the week’ with an added sense of purpose and companionship, thus staying connected.  Many players who have experienced health issues over their later years ie heart attack, stroke, diabetes, knee replacement , general back issues, are being urged to take up Walking Football to assist rehabilitation by their own doctors and physiotherapists – now that’s a truly amazing endorsement.

Yes, continue your exercise regime, go for those walks, visit the gym but you may well discover that participation in Walking Football could be the icing on the cake………one thing is for sure, if you do play……You’ll Never Walk Alone.

For more informationcontact Maryann Thompson-0424 206 899 from the Adelaide Hills hub, or John Walker on 0412 950 599 from the Adelaide hub. Or visit Facebook by clicking on Walking Football Adelaide or Walking Football Adelaide - Adelaide Hills.