Walking Football has continued to grow in the nation’s capital, with registrations now tripling since the sport’s launch two years ago.
Designed for males and females over the age of 45, Canberra Foot and Ankle Clinic (CFAC) Walking Football adopts a number of modified football rules, including no running, tackling or kicking the ball above head height.
Now in its third season, the sport has continued to grow in Canberra, with 170 adults from all walks of life now taking part.
Capital Football’s Game Development Manager Kelly Stirton said the summer competition is now being hosted at two different venues (Mawson Playing Fields on Sunday evenings and Hawker Football Centre on Wednesday nights) to accommodate the increase in numbers.
“One of the strong appeals of the competition is the social aspect the sport brings,” Stirton said. “We have individuals who joined, we placed them in a team, and now these teams have been together for two seasons.
“Not only does it improve their physical health, Walking Football has mental health benefits for the older generation, helping them get away from everyday life just by enjoying kicking a ball around.”
With five new teams set to join the competition, which kicks off on Wednesday night (14 October), Stirton hopes that more Canberrans will give the sport a go.
“Most of the growth has come from word of mouth, with participants recruiting their friends and club teammates,” Stirton said. “We are hoping that the sport continues to grow and that clubs take hold of the program so that players who may have retired from ‘normal’ football can stay involved in the sport.”
Registrations for the summer season of CFAC Walking Football are still open, so register by clicking HERE.