FOLLOWING last year’s successful inaugural Walking Football Charity Shield, this fun event is set to return to the Coffs Coast Synthetics on Saturday 28 March, bringing with it a mix of sporting action and community goodwill.
The initiative from Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour Daybreak, with the support of North Coast Football, kicked some great goals last year.
Ian Leach of Rotary Daybreak said the Charity Shield raised over $14,000 for local youth charities such as Children’s Deaf Camp, Riding for the Disabled, and Groovehouse Ability and Beyond’s music program.
“In addition, we’ve been able to support a local hearing-impaired footballer compete in the recent Deaflympics,” he said.
“[We also] contributed to North Coast Football’s fantastic ‘No talented kid left behind’ program and kicked-off community football scholarships for underprivileged youth, ensuring a lasting impact beyond the pitch.”
Ian is an enthusiastic advocate for walking football, explaining the growing appeal of the sport: “It’s soccer but not as we know it – walking only, no running,.
“As a new soccer code, it’s growing very quickly, and the great thing about it is that it’s totally inclusive.
“All ages, all abilities, and mixed teams are the norm.
The walking factor is the great leveller.”
The sport’s accessibility is evident in the local scene, where participants span generations.
“On Wednesday evenings at the Coffs Synthetics, we have an enthusiastic group of mixed players of all ages called the Coffs City Strollers – both male and female.
“There’s a combination of young and not-so-young, ranging from mid-20s to Will, our marvellous 83-year-old referee, walking around, scoring goals, and having a great time.
“The game itself is a scaled-down version of traditional soccer, played on a quarter-sized field with small goals and minimal physical contact.
“Teams consist of six players on the field at a time, with squads of up to 10 to allow for rotations.
“If you want to get involved, come down to the Synthetics at 5:45 pm on a Wednesday and give it a go
“And of course, there’s still time to contribute to great local causes by entering a team in the Charity Shield.”
By David WIGLEY
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