Football Victoria’s (FV) Walking Football program continues to grow with over 400 participants across 20 locations across the state with the help of countless volunteers across the state.
The program caters to individuals of all ages, with a focus on players over the age of 55 years of age and is suitable for all levels of ability and fitness.
Kyneton Walking Football’s David Bruffell said the program gives all the participants a “purpose”.
“I love to see all of these people get engaged and give them a reason to get out of the house,” he explained.
“We just have so much fun and laughter, it’s contagious that’s why I do it.”
After discovering Walking Football while visiting family in the United Kingdom, Bruffell played an instrumental role in ensuring the program would be delivered to his local U3A.
“I approached U3A Kyneton to see if they had thought about introducing Walking Football into their program and they were keen to get involved but didn’t have a tutor with the required knowledge and skills,” he explained.
“I offered my time and with the help of Jill McArthur from Bendigo and Abraham Abraham from Football Victoria who supported us with all the gear we needed plus coaching and then we were ready to start.”
Since the inception of Walking Football in Kyneton, Bruffell has successfully obtained funding to assist in the maintenance and continual development of the program.
“I love what I do, I think my enthusiasm comes across because I am passionate about the program,” he said.
“I went on a sponsorship drive and approached the local opportunity shop to gain $250 to purchase soccer shirts so that the players looked like a team. They were so impressed with the enthusiasm to engage older members of the community that they gave us $500.
“Two of my players had a son who was persuaded to become a sponsor for $500 and with Sassafras’s help we received a gift of $500 from the council in recognition of the program of access and inclusion.”
Bruffell passion for the program has also seen him all around Victoria and he is hopeful to see more participants join him in the future.
You don’t have to be able to play, just turn up and kick the ball around, when you’ve had enough you can go and sit down,” he concluded.
Walking Football aims to provide participants with physical & mental health benefits, social contentedness, and promotion of the benefits of ongoing physical activity.