Walking Football (soccer)
Walking Football (NFP) proposes to conduct a series of “Come and Try” Walking Football sessions where members of the public can play for free in a no-contact, safe game managed by a team of competent Walking Football volunteers to allow players to garnish interest in providing a weekly session of Walking Football matches within the local Council area.
WF meets the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal [UN-SDG] 3, regarding "Good Health and Well-being", which is one of the 17 UN-SDG’s established by the United Nations in 2015, and ensures healthy living and promotion of well-being for all at all ages.
Walking Football is a fun and inclusive activity that improves the physical and mental health, social connectedness, and well-being of (older) Australians in a safe, non-contact environment, regardless of age, ability, gender, ethnicity, and/or health condition. It is a social, small-sided, and sustainable version of football played by people worldwide and is considered the gentler version of the beautiful game, and the rules have been adjusted to make it so. Walking Football is increasingly becoming recognised as a valid tool for community development and for addressing social issues.
The format and rules of the game and the emphasis on having fun and socialising make football available for everyone, no matter the age or skill level. The program takes a ‘whole of family’ approach to include participants of all ages in football and increase inter-generational interaction while providing participants opportunities to continue their involvement in their local club as members and volunteers.
Statistics have shown that participation in football drastically decreases from the age of 45 years old, and people are unable to play the beautiful game due to age/movement barriers and health conditions. Walking Football provides a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable form of football that particularly increases older Australians’ participation in regular physical activity. Playing Walking Football may also lead to a reduction of (i) cardiovascular disease, (ii) stroke, and (iii) type 2 diabetes (T2D).
The funding will help achieve these goals by providing funds to purchase limited setup costs like venue and lights hire, goals and cones, bibs, game refreshments, soccer balls, website costs, and promotion of Walking Football locally. Some funds may pay for a limited number of free online registrations, including player insurance, joggers, and shin pads.
LIVE LIFE, NOT JUST EXIST - STAY HEALTHY - ENJOY TIME TOGETHER - CONNECT WITH YOUR KIDS AND GRANDKIDS - THE BOREDOM BUSTER