A walking football program for older men will be launched in February 2026 in Mount Gambier. In a region with disproportionately high rates of poor mental health among men, this initiative aims to enhance men’s social connections and support networks through a community sport activity.

Walking football is a modified version of soccer that provides a social, small-sided version of the game, specifically developed for older adults. It involves walking instead of running, no body contact, and is typically played indoors.

The walking football program is being developed through a partnership between Flinders University, the Limestone Coast Local Government Association, Walking Football Adelaide, and Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation.

Key community members are also involved in the program design to ensure it is suitable for and desirable to potential participants in the region.

Men aged 55 years and over will engage in weekly walking football games over 24 weeks at the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre in Mount Gambier.

For older men who are interested in learning the craft of refereeing, experts from Walking Football Adelaide will provide comprehensive training and mentorship to support their development.

As the research partner, Flinders University will conduct a series of physical health assessments, questionnaires, and group discussions to evaluate the effectiveness of the program.

A project priority is to develop a toolkit of resources to guide the establishment of walking football programs in other local communities. The toolkit will provide a step-by-step that can be adapted to suit local needs and implemented in a way that promotes program sustainability with limited resources.

Program promotion commenced in November, with opportunity for up to 100 walking football participants to take part.

For more information about the walking football program and opportunities to engage, contact the project Chief Investigator Professor Murray Drummond or fill out the expression of interest form and a researcher will be in touch with further information.

The walking football project is supported through a 2024-2025 Impact Research Grant for Ageing Well from Office for Ageing Well.