WalkSoccer kicks goals in Western Sydney as nominated for award

A new ‘WalkSoccer’ program has kicked off in Rooty Hill, keeping Blacktown Local Government Area residents physically active and socially connected as they age.  

Western Sydney Local Health District’s Health Promotion Director, Michelle Nolan, said the program’s strong community impact is already getting attention. 

“WalkSoccer has been named a finalist in the 2026 ZEST Awards in the Outstanding Community Partnership category, recognising its impact in connecting people, supporting healthy ageing and strengthening community wellbeing across Western Sydney,” she said. 

WalkSoccer is a low-impact, no-running, non-contact version of football which focuses on movement, balance and social connection rather than competition.

Michelle says the nomination for a local award is evidence of the impact these changes can make.  

“This highlights the value of partnership and community led approaches in helping people stay active, connected and independent as they age,” Michelle said.  

Don Mulholland is a community cultural worker at The Shed in Mount Druitt and didn’t know anything about WalkSoccer before attending a recent WalkSoccer Come and Try day.  

“As an Aboriginal person, we’ve got to keep that close the gap thing going, and the more active in fitness we become, and more involved in local sports, the better,” Don said.  

He says WalkSoccer is a great way to increase your fitness while strengthening your social bonds.  

The program is delivered in collaboration with Western Sydney Local Health District, Walking Football NSW, Western Sydney Wanderers and Blacktown City Council, and is available to local women aged 40 years and over, and local men aged 50 years and over.  

Warwick Gosling is a self-proclaimed ‘lifetime football tragic’. 

In 2021 he needed a bone marrow transplant and he thought that meant his days of playing football were over. 

"I got my dad into playing walking football,” Warwick said.  

Warwick thought the game was only for elderly people, but when he saw friends of his playing he realised it was for him too.  

“It gave me the incentive to get healthy, to get fitter, to come and play,” Warwick said.  

Since those initial passes on the field with WalkSoccer, he has been selected to play for Australia in England, and in Spain, taking him to Europe for the first time in his life.  

“There's a line in the Red Hot Chili Peppers. It's been a long time since I've made a new friend. Well, just come here and you'll meet new friends,” Warwick says.  

Michelle says WalkSoccer echoes the benefits recognised by Warwick.  

“While regular movement is key to healthy ageing, physical activity levels drop sharply later in life, particularly among those aged 55 and over.”  

“Programs like WalkSoccer make physical activity achievable and enjoyable and help older people stay steady on their feet, keep doing the things they love, and reap the benefits of an active lifestyle as they get older.” 

For details about WalkSoccer including how to register, head to: WalkSoccer - Walking Football NSW.