Walking football gave Mick a reason to get out of bed

SEVERE pain from fibromyalgia by 2017 had forced Mick Trim to give up work, driving and sport. Once active and independent, he was spending much of his time in bed, becoming increasingly isolated from the life he had known.

Two years later, he discovered walking football. Initially, it was a reason to leave the house and move again, but the people he met, and the prospect of another game soon, gave him something to look forward to.

“Walking football didn’t just give me a sport to play. I genuinely believe it helped save my life,” Mick says.

“I was once the person who needed a reason to get out of bed. Walking football gave me that reason.”

That experience led him to establish Walking Football 4 Health Victoria in 2024. This October, he is encouraging older Victorians to use the Victorian Seniors Festival as an opportunity to discover the game for themselves.

A slower game with a warm welcome

Walking football is a modified version of soccer, with players walking instead of running. One foot must remain in contact with the ground, and the game is non-contact.

For anyone who hasn’t played sport in years, or has never kicked a football, the prospect of joining a team can still feel daunting. Mick understands that the hardest part may happen before a player reaches the court.

“There is no expectation that you will know what you’re doing when you arrive,” he says. “We explain everything, introduce you to people and allow you to participate at a level that is comfortable for you.”

Participants are welcome to arrive alone, and many do. There’s no requirement to bring a team, buy a football kit or spend weeks getting fit before attending.

Comfortable clothing, suitable runners or sports shoes and a water bottle are generally all that’s needed.

What happens at your first session

New arrivals are introduced to the session leader and fellow participants before being taken through how the game works.

Sessions generally start with gentle movement and warm-up activities, followed by simple football activities and small-sided games. Players can take breaks whenever they need them, with activities adapted to those taking part that day.

“We design our program around the participants,” Mick says. “We don’t design the program and then try to fit the participants into it.”

The emphasis is on enjoying the session rather than winning. Afterwards, there’s time to cool down and have a chat, often with people who will become familiar faces the following week.

Mick says those connections are among the most encouraging changes he sees. Participants who arrive unsure of themselves begin joining in, making friends and finding a regular place in the group.

“For some participants, walking football becomes an important part of their weekly routine, not simply because of the physical activity, but because of the friendships, laughter and sense of community surrounding the session.”

Try it during Seniors Month

Walking Football 4 Health Victoria’s sessions are listed in the official Victorian Seniors Festival digital program, with regular activities continuing across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria throughout October.

Two upcoming Come & Try sessions offer an opportunity to get involved:

Thursday, October 15: Brunswick Stadium, 6 Gardiner Street, Brunswick, from 9.30am to 10.30am, as part of Merri-bek’s Seniors Festival activities.

Thursday, October 22: Cardinia Life Leisure Centre, Pakenham, from 10.30am to 11.30am.

Check with the organiser about costs and registration before attending, as arrangements vary between locations.

For Mick, the invitation is straightforward: don’t rule yourself out because you’ve never considered yourself a footballer.

“Being nervous about walking through the door for the first time is completely understandable,” he says. “That’s why creating a welcoming environment is just as important to us as what happens on the court or pitch.”

To find a suitable session, visit Walking Football 4 Health Victoria, call 0430 163 550 or email [email protected].