Walking Football
What is Walking Football?
Walking Football is a small-sided, low-impact, modified version of the game, suitable for all levels of ability and fitness, from people who are returning to sport after a break or those who’ve never played before.
It is the gentler version of the beautiful game and the rules have been adjusted to make it SOCIAL, SAFE AND FUN. It has been designed to suit new participants and veterans alike, and provide a safe, inclusive and enjoyable format of football to increase participation of Older Australians. It focuses on low-impact and team-based exercise and provide physical and mental health benefits, social connectedness, alongside education and promotion of the benefits of ongoing physical activity.
The format and rules of the game and the emphasis on having fun and socialising - this makes 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, whilst also providing participants opportunities to continue their involvement in their local club as members and volunteers.
Football West aim to set up Walking Football hubs in Metropolitan, Regional and Remote Western Australia.
What do you need to wear?
- Can wear shoes or boots up to you
- Shorts
- Any shirt (most clubs provide bibs or if it is organised teams, players will plan to wear the same colour shirt)
Where can you play?
We are currently setting up hubs within our metro and regional areas. Under our Locations and Times tab we have all our current clubs plus the ones that are coming soon.
If your club is interested in setting up a Walking Football Hub at your club and you have someone who is willing to coordinate this, contact Football West at bianca.glanville@footballwest.com.au
Registration
Football West and Football Australia is providing free registration and basic insurance coverage in 2022. This is so we can record how many WF players we have in WA through the Play Football system.
Basic Rules
- Non-contact
- Above head height restriction on ball
- No heading the ball
- Playing with reckless or dangerous intent is an infringement
- Walking instead of running - "always having one foot on the ground"
- No offside
- No slide tackles, trips, strikes, pushes, shoulder barge, excessive force
- No throw ins
- Penalty is a one-step only kick
- Games can be played with or without a goalkeeper
Note: the rules can always be altered based on the age, skill level and capability of the players. However, we do encourage the club to have outlined rules before playing.
Locations and Times
COMING SOON: these clubs will soon have a hub up and running, if you are interested in participating at one of these clubs, please contact the email provided so you can register.
CLUB CHAMPION NEEDED: this is a club that has the space and is eager to host a Walking Football hub, however, they don’t have someone who can champion this. If you are willing to take charge and help create their hub please reach out to the club.
Club | Location | Day | Time | Contact |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ashfield |
Ashfield Reserve |
Monday |
6:30-8:00 pm |
|
Ellenbrook |
Ellenbrook Sports Club, Verbana Drive |
Friday |
6:00-7:00pm (Women Only) |
|
Curtin Uni |
Edinburgh Oval, Bentley |
Tuesday |
5:30-6:30pm (Women Only) |
|
Wanneroo |
Kingsway Sporting Complex, Madeley |
Wednesday |
7:00-8:00pm |
|
Joondalup Sports Association |
Iluka District Open Space |
Monday |
4:30-6:00pm |
|
Peel Regional Walking Football Club |
Mandurah Indoor Sports |
Tuesday |
6:30-7:30pm |
|
Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre |
Friday |
2:00-3:00pm |
||
Sorrento |
Percy Doyle Reserve, Duncraig |
Thursday |
5:00-6:00pm |
|
Floreat |
Fox Football Fives: 39 Chandler Ave, Floreat |
Saturday |
9:30-11:00am |
|
Women's Walking Football Association |
Fox Football Fives, Floreat |
Saturday |
11:00-12:00 |
|
Port Kennedy Soccer Club |
Koorana Reserve |
Wednesday |
5:00-6:00pm |
|
Subiaco AFC |
Subiaco Oval |
Wednesday |
6:30-7:30 |
|
Vic Park |
Parnham Reserve |
Tuesday |
6:00-7:00pm |
|
Katanning |
Katanning Leisure and Function Centre |
Monday 14th, 21st, 28th and 5th |
3:30-4:30pm |
|
Wembley Downs |
Butlers Reserve, Scarborough |
Wednesday |
7:00-8:00pm |
|
Geraldton 1 |
Wonthella Bowling |
|||
Geraldton 2 |
QEII Roos |
|||
Albany |
Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre |
Tuesday |
9:00-10:00am |
|
Bunbury |
Hay Park Multi-Sports Pavilion – Bunbury United |
Monday |
5:30-6:15pm |
|
Newman |
COMING SOON |
Health Benefits
Statistics have shown that participation in football drastically decreases from the age of 45 years old and are unable to play the beautiful game due to age barriers and health conditions.
- Staying independent and mobile
- Reduce the risk of developing many diseases, building strength and stamina, improving energy levels and movement
- Preventing or improving many physical conditions (improving blood sugar levels, heart, circulation, bones and muscles)
- Increasing confidence and self-esteem
- Learning new skills
- Keeping social connections, staying connected with people and reducing social isolation
- Having positive mental health, improving mood and sleep, reducing stress and anxiety, and keeping the mind sharp
- Having a sense of purpose and belonging
- Accommodating people with physical limitations
- Helping older people become involved, stay involved and continue doing what they have always enjoyed
- Building friendships
- Increasing overall quality of life
Club Resources
- Walking Football Activity Guide
- National walking Football program Session guide
- Active Ageing Australia Football Australia Walking Football 1 & 2 Online Access Guide
- Walk2Perform Information Sheet
- Walking Football Laws of the Game Made Simple
- Program Surveys Instructions for Program Coordinators
- Football Australia Walking Football - National Rules, Regulations and Guidelines - MF Template
- Trifold Brochure
- Walking Football - Manual Registration Guide
- Walking Football - PlayFootball Set up guide
- Walking Football Manual Registration Form
- Walking Football Induction
- Walking Football Refereeing Course-FQ
- Walking Football Tiered Club Incentives
- Why data collection is important