The Walking Football Federation Australia, WFFA, (affectionately known as Woofa!) was formed by players from around the country who are passionate about Walking Football.
Devised as a competitive sport by John Croot of Chesterfield FC, in the UK over 10 years ago, it continues to grow and thrive in the UK and across Europe.
Although a comparatively new sport in Australia, despite the the covid pause in 2020-21 it is now gaining greater recognition and participation across the country.
The sport is a gentler version of the beautiful game aimed at players over 50 allowing them to continue to play for another 50 years! Modified rules include, No contact, no high balls, smaller field size with 5 or 6 aside and of course, no running, hence why it is called Walking Football.
With a vision to defragment and bring unity to the game in Australia, Lee from NSW, Alan from Qld and Derek from SA, all passionate and older walking football players, laid the foundations for what has become the Walking Football Federation Australia.
There is so much to do to get momentum and the old saying, "many hands make light work" absolutely rings true. There are a dozen other walking footballers from across the country who have been and continue to be involved in the federation from the ground level. Add to those the hundreds of others in each of the states doing great things in their own hubs and you have a strong foundation on which to grow.
The one common thread that links them all is their drive and determination that aligns with WFFA's mission "... to promote Walking Football as a fun and inclusive activity that improves the physical and mental health and well-being of older Australians in a safe non-contact environment, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, health condition or experience.
Our aim is for every player to: improve their fitness, have fun, continue playing football or to take up the sport for the first time and make new friends in the Walking Football community."
The website, social media pages and forums have been created to table ideas and allow discussion to help grow the numbers of participation within the states and throughout Australia. We welcome your contributions and encourage the spirit of Walking Football in all communications.
Through these posts we will bring to you information about upcoming events and interesting stories of what Australians are doing in walking football around the world.
"If you can walk, you can play Walking Football" walking footballer who shall remain nameless
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