Football Queensland is excited to announce a bumper Walking Football calendar for 2022, including social carnivals, competitive tournaments and road trips to regional areas.
FQ will take Walking Football throughout the state, hosting events in at least five regions in Queensland from South Coast to Far North & Gulf.
Three events will be held on the Sunshine Coast, kicking off with the Walking Football Social Carnival at Woombye FC on Saturday, 5 March.
Palmwoods resident Karen Smith, 53, said she is looking forward to participating with her local club, Coolum Beach Walking Football.
“The great thing about Walking Football is you can be really competitive if you like, but you can also play socially with people who are in it for a bit of a kick-and-giggle,” she said.
“I tend to play with the social lot, but I also enjoy going to the competitions. I just love it – it’s good fitness and I do between two and three kilometres every game.”
Smith (pictured below, second from right) is a breast cancer survivor who drives 30 minutes each way from her home to play with her new friends.
“I began playing Walking Football about three years ago at Coolum, having never played soccer before in my life. My only experience of soccer was running the lines when my brother played as a junior, but that was 40+ years ago,” said Smith.
“What I found was a great group of people who welcomed me, encouraged me and taught me the game. It’s low-impact, fun and we have a good laugh. I’m still not the world’s greatest soccer player, but my skill levels and fitness have really improved.
“I also like the fact that the sport is mostly non-contact. Even after having surgery for breast cancer, I could return quickly and be confident I wouldn’t get injured.”
FQ Walking Football Officer Alan Templeton said Queenslanders of all ages will have the opportunity to try the game in 2022.
“Karen is one of nearly 700 participants in Queensland who have taken up Walking Football since we began the program in 2019,” said Templeton.
“Queenslanders of all ages have gotten involved with the low-impact form of football to regain their fitness and build social connections.
“The extraordinary growth of Walking Football has been life-changing for many people who have fallen in love with the game.
“Football Queensland will be running several Walking Football events throughout 2022 and we are looking forward to welcoming new members to our growing community.”
CLICK HERE to find a Walking Football program and upcoming events.