Football Canterbury's first ever Walking Football Gala Day was huge success with 150 players from 24 teams competing at Tempe Reserve on Saturday.
The gala day was held in conjunction with the Inner West Council's Seniors Week celebrations.
15 teams from Football Canterbury were joined by eight teams from across the state as well as one team from the United Kingdom, who happened to be holidaying in Sydney when they saw the opportunity to sign-up.
Players ranged from 16-years-old to 80-years-old, proving that walking football can be played and enjoyed at any age. It is, of course, particularly important as a sport for older Australians to stay active, be social, and to stay connected to their community: helping them with both their physical and mental well-being.
Walking football is inclusive in other ways too as it is a sport that can be played by complete beginners as well as people who have been playing their entire lives.
The feedback received from players was staggeringly positive, with everyone playing throughout the day and many continuing on to the pub afterwards to make further connections and reminisce about goals scored, goals saved, and the ones that got away!
Interested in playing walking football?
There are several opportunities to play walking football in the Football Canterbury association in 2023. To stay up to date with all these opportunities please express your interest to receive updates as information becomes available.
Opportunities include:
- Rudd Park hosting walking football on Thursday nights (6pm-7:30pm) from 21 February to 30 March
- Marrickville FC will be hosting a walking football league on Wednesday nights during the 2023 winter season
- Rudd Park will be hosting Saturday afternoon sessions (2pm-3:30pm) when the 2023 winter season kicks-off in April
- Walking Football Gala Days planned for September 2023 and February 2024
