Whittlesea U3A, in collaboration with the City of Whittlesea's Ageing Well Team, participated in a six-week Walking Football Program with Mill Park Secondary College as part of their VET Sport and Recreation practical studies.
Walking Football is a small-sided, low-impact, modified version of the game, suitable for all levels of ability and fitness, from people who are returning to sport after a break or those who have never played before.
The program was organised by Mill Park SC's Senior Student Engagement Leader and VET Sport and Recreation Teacher Darren Patterson, who said the connections made between the students and members of the U3A has been "really impressive".
"It has been a testament to both groups in the way they have interacted, it has been really great," Patterson said.
"As part of completing their course, they have a certain number of units and competencies they have to complete, which includes needing to be observed completing those competencies in a practical sense and that is essentially what our students are getting from this program.
Mr Patterson added that the main aim of the program was to connect the students with members of the community they may not always spend time with and allow that connection to organically happen.
Year 11 student, Victoria Momirovski described the six-week program as an interesting and fun "experience for everyone involved.
"It has been quite eye opening to see and interact with the elderly and how they enjoy and play sports, "she explained.
"I play football outside of school, so it has been really interesting to see how modified Walking Football is to actual football and being able to implement drills that I have done outside of school into the Walking Football program has been really helpful."
As part of the program, the students had to create lesson plans and provide these in a practical sense to the U3A members. This included leading warm-up exercises, skill training and games.
The students' task was to create lesson plans and lead warm-up exercises, skill training, and games for the U3A members. Watching their leadership skills blossom was a major highlight for Whittlesea U3A Walking Football Coordinator Gerry Fay. "The students led the program, and we just turned up as players," he said, praising the students' growing confidence and leadership.
Fay emphasifed the broader potential of this initiative, declaring, "We are setting up a model that can be used anywhere in Australia. We are proof that this works, and any school can do it."
"It was a great opportunity for us because it is part of the students' education, but it is also a good way to get younger kids working with another part of the community," Fay concluded.
This collaboration between Whittlesea U3A and Mill Park Secondary College has not only provided valuable practical experience for the students but also fostered a sense of community and mutual respect between different generations.
This program's success is a call to action for other schools to follow suit. Not only does it provide invaluable practical experience for students, but it also fosters a sense of community and mutual respect across generations. It's a win-win that brings people together in the most meaningful way.