Albany, Denmark over-50s encouraged to have a go at Walking Footy

A free footy program for over-50s has started in Albany and will be coming soon to Denmark in a bid to get fans of all skill levels involved with the game.

Walking Footy, hosted by the West Coast Eagles, is halfway through a six-week program in Albany which invites over-50s of all abilities to meet once a week to grow their skills, fitness and have fun.

West Coast Eagles Great Southern community co-ordinator and program coach Brad Nisbett said no footy experience was required to join the weekly sessions in Albany and Denmark.

“It’s just a social get-together where we do a bit of footy skills and then we play a game of walking footy, which is a modified game of footy where it is purely walking and no running or tackling,” he said.

“It is about inclusion and also getting people out and about and exercising and having a chat about footy and life.

“Just bringing back some good memories as well of their footy days for the blokes and the women that have always watched it or potentially played. It’s just a bit of fun.”

Walking Footy is the first initiative in a growing list of programs set to be delivered by Mr Nisbett as part of the West Coast Eagles’ new community co-ordinator role in the Great Southern.

Mr Nisbett said the club aims to grow football opportunities and build on existing programs in the region.

“There’s a lot of footy talent down in the Great Southern so that is an area I will be looking into, keeping a close eye on the talent and development. It is a large area but it is a good area to keep developing footy,” he said.

The Albany Walking Footy program runs every Thursday until May 12 at 7.15am at Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre.

A four-week Walking Footy program will be on at Denmark’s McLean Park on Fridays from May 6 to May 27 at 7.30am.

Register here.