The 19th edition of the Australian Masters Games (AMG) kicked off last weekend in Adelaide and Victoria will have representations in Walking Football.
AMG is a week-long festival of sport that brings together weekend warriors from around Australia, and the world, to enjoy an extensive sport and social program
Victoria has four teams representing the state with Whittlesea taking two men’s teams and one women's side, while Ballarat is represented by one men's team.
In February, Whittlesea U3A Programs Leader Gerry Fay, Glen Wall (President), Con Constantinou (City of Whittlesea Ageing Well Team), and Mick Trim (organiser) put together a project plan to get teams to go to Adelaide.
The team was able to run numerous fundraising initiatives to be able to raise $16,000 which supported their senior members in attending, in turn making it more affordable and accessible. The fundraising initiatives consisted of sausage sizzles, chocolate sales, sponsorship packs for community organisations and more.
"The players are all proud to represent Whittlesea U3A and the City of Whittlesea. But mostly they are proud of themselves for taking part in this venture. Even if they don't bring home medals they will hold their heads high," Gerry Fey explained.
"Walking Football enjoys great support from Football Victoria to keep the weekly programs going. These programs are played on a social basis. But as the programs have been going for over eight years the players are now experienced enough to participate in tournaments such as the Australian Masters in Adelaide and last year in the Pan Pacific games in Queensland."
Football Victoria continues to support Walking Football with programs such as Whittlesea running through our partners U3A Victoria for the past nine years. We hope through this promotion and many others like it that we can grow participation.
Their Masters Games squad is a beautiful tapestry of cultures, with players from different nationalities: 4 Sri Lankans, 1 Chinese, 1 Filipino, 1 Iraqi, 1 Polish, and 1 proud Aussie. They come from Victoria, where Football Victoria recognizes the team's potential as ambassadors for Walking Football, with over 120 ladies in Victoria now enjoying the sport.
Remarkably, the oldest player is 80 years young, proving that passion knows no age limits. None of the players had ever played football before embracing Walking Football, a testament to their determination. Despite facing challenges, the team played in the Pan Pacific Masters Games last year and loved every minute of it. They're now gearing up for an exciting journey to Adelaide.
Even amidst health conditions like Parkinson's, heart issues, cancer survivorship, and mental health challenges, the players find strength in the game.
Why do they play Walking Football? To connect with diverse cultures, challenge their comfort zones, make new friends, stay active, find well-being, and, above all, to have fun.