Seventy-four-year-old Ann Brown first heard about the CFAC Walking Football competition when she saw a news report on TV. Despite having never played a team sport before, Ann was drawn in by the appeal and signed up to play the new competition last year.

“It looked like something I could do because it looked quite gentle,” Ann said. “People also said it was a great social sport so I wanted to enjoy that aspect as well.”

After receiving some tips on how to kick the ball, Ann took part in her first ever football match.

“When I got to the actual pitch to play my first game, I realised it was a bit more competitive than I first thought,” Ann said laughing. “I don’t think I was that useful to the team but I enjoyed the team spirit and the competitiveness.

“I really appreciated the support and encouragement of my team members and I learned a lot.”

Growing up in the North East of England, Ann had not been presented with the opportunity to play football before.

“I did gymnastics when I was young but I had never played a team sport before,” Ann said. “In the times where I grew up, there wasn’t really any organised sport activities for women and girls.

“So I took part in gymnastics and dancing and those sort of activities.”

Besides missing her Sing Australia group and her canceled family trip to New Zealand due to COVID-19, Ann said she is also missing the opportunity to play with her CFAC Walking Football team, aptly called Walk the Line.

“I learned a lot from the season and I know that my fellow team members and I are very keen to sign up for the next season once the suspension ends,” Ann said.

“I have to thank Capital Football and in particular Kelly Stirton for all the hard work she put in. Without Kelly, Walking Football could not take place.”

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