Your chance to help Walking Football take the next step forward
Football West is pleased to announce it will work with Walking Football stakeholders to develop a strategy to support the growth and development of the program in WA over the next two years.
Walking Football is a low-impact, modified version of traditional football designed to be accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Its popularity has grown immensely in the last decade, with clubs hosting Walking Football hubs.
Football West Community Football Manager Abid Imam said the project provided a great opportunity to grow Walking Football in the state.
“Walking Football is an incredibly engaging format that is important for keeping players in the game and providing an opportunity for social connection,” he said.
“We’ve reached an exciting stage where there are many activities across Western Australia, and we want to listen to the community so we can best support Walking Football clubs and players in metro and regional areas.
“Football West’s goal is to establish Walking Football hubs across metropolitan, regional and remote areas of WA, integrating the program into local football clubs and enhancing participation through a ‘whole of family’ approach.”
Mr Imam added: “Experienced sports consultant Peter Minchin from Purpose Driven Performance will drive the engagement and formulation of the strategy to ensure best practice.”
Former Matilda Maria Hulls, who is involved in Walking Football in WA, is enthusiastic about growing the format.
“This opportunity represents a chance to be part of the growing movement of Walking Football, a game that emphasises inclusivity, health and community,” she said.
“As someone who’s passionate about the sport of football in general, I’m excited to see how it continues to evolve, bringing both women aged 40+ and men aged 50+ together to promote positive aging as well as physical and social well-being. The future of Walking Football is bright, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”
This was echoed by the Association of Walking Football Australia’s Richard Paveley, who said: “It is exciting to see Football West's initiative to develop a strategy for Walking Football in Western Australia. I look forward to playing an active part in this process which will help grow the sport at all levels and see more participation across the state.”
NEXT STEPS
Engagement with stakeholders will start with online surveys for clubs and players:
- Survey for Clubs & Associations CLICK HERE
- Survey for Players (currently & not-currently playing) CLICK HERE
Both surveys will close at 5pm on Monday 28 April, with a draw to win a $50 New Balance voucher for one lucky participant from each survey.
There will then be two workshops, including one online. These will provide an opportunity for clubs and players to shape the strategy.
- In-person workshop at the Sam Kerr Football Centre: Tuesday 13 May, 6-8pm– RSVP HERE
- Online workshop: Tuesday 20 May, 6-8pm – RSVP HERE
WHAT IS WALKING FOOTBALL?
Walking Football is a low-impact, modified version of traditional football designed to be accessible to people of all ages and abilities. It aims to increase participation among older people, promote physical and mental health benefits, and foster community engagement. The focus is on social, safe, and fun interactions that are inclusive for all skill levels.