They’re champions of their sport, without even breaking into a jog.
And now, following a successful crack at a national tournament, some of these fierce competitors are preparing to take their skills to international stages.
On Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 April, hundreds of walking football teams from across
the country competed in the 7th annual QUT Walking Football Cup, held this year in Nudgee.
Logan City’s very own Aussie Goal Hunters over 65s men’s team battled through all six games of the gruelling tournament to bring home the silver medal.
On Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 April, hundreds of walking football teams from across
the country competed in the 7th annual QUT Walking Football Cup, held this year in Nudgee.
Logan City’s very own Aussie Goal Hunters over 65s men’s team battled through all six games of the gruelling tournament to bring home the silver medal.
Michael Hulse, the team manager, was thrilled his group of blokes played so many games in just two days.
He said it was hard work in hot weather.
“It’s brilliant, just fantastic,” Mr Hulse said.
The walking football calendar for Logan players this year is jam packed for a sport still building momentum in Australia.
This year, a national walking football team – The Walkeroos – will compete in Malmo, Sweden.
“It’s brilliant, just fantastic,” Mr Hulse said.
The walking football calendar for Logan players this year is jam packed for a sport still building momentum in Australia.
This year, a national walking football team – The Walkeroos – will compete in Malmo, Sweden.
Two players from Aussie Goal Hunters, Ross Peachey and Anthony Pollock, have been selected for the team.
Siggy Nowak, a Brisbane local and Walkeroo midfielder in the over 70s division, said the team selection process was lengthy and competitive.
“Every state has talent scouts and selectors, and they put into a pool the players they think are highly rated,” Mr Nowak said.
Siggy Nowak, a Brisbane local and Walkeroo midfielder in the over 70s division, said the team selection process was lengthy and competitive.
“Every state has talent scouts and selectors, and they put into a pool the players they think are highly rated,” Mr Nowak said.
“That pool is looked at over a period of time in competitions and then the team that is selected comes from that pool.
“It doesn’t happen overnight.”
“It doesn’t happen overnight.”
For many players, the sport is a social event, with tea, coffee and a chat always on the cards after practice.
But once the players are on the pitch, the sport quickly gets competitive.
“It’s not for the light-hearted. These players are still very active,” Mr Hulse said.
But once the players are on the pitch, the sport quickly gets competitive.
“It’s not for the light-hearted. These players are still very active,” Mr Hulse said.
At 77, Mr Nowak is proud to be representing Australia in the sport.
“It’s just amazing that we can still continue at this age to be playing whether you are in your 50s, 60s or 70s.
“I wish my dad was alive, you know, because he’d be pleased.”
Next year’s walking football world championships will be held in Brisbane.
“It’s just amazing that we can still continue at this age to be playing whether you are in your 50s, 60s or 70s.
“I wish my dad was alive, you know, because he’d be pleased.”
Next year’s walking football world championships will be held in Brisbane.
“National teams that normally play in Europe, they’re coming to Australia. The selection trials will probably start after July, once the team comes back from Sweden,” Mr Nowak said.
The sport is now so popular players can participate in matches every day of the week.
Mr Nowak said this could increase players’ chances of being noticed by a talent scout.
“If you are going to those sessions, you will be noticed, because there are talent scouts on the lookout for new players. And women in particular, there has been a huge increase in the number of women players,” he said.
“If you’re at any of these venues, and you’re playing walking football, and you’re any good, you will very quickly be noticed. I can guarantee.”
Mr Nowak himself is competing as a Walkeroo in the World Nations Cup this October in
Alicante, Spain.
“If you are going to those sessions, you will be noticed, because there are talent scouts on the lookout for new players. And women in particular, there has been a huge increase in the number of women players,” he said.
“If you’re at any of these venues, and you’re playing walking football, and you’re any good, you will very quickly be noticed. I can guarantee.”
Mr Nowak himself is competing as a Walkeroo in the World Nations Cup this October in
Alicante, Spain.
This tournament is an international event hosting teams from more than 60 nations.
