Ready to walk tall on the world stage
JG By JimGainsford
UpdatedAugust 8 2025 – 8:03am, first published 8:00am The Leader – reposted with permission
WalkSoccer was established in Rockdale just over one year ago and has already produced two international competitors.
Bayside residents Steve Wade and Betty Servis will represent Australia at the Walking Football World Nations Cup to be held in Spain in October.
Steve and Betty will be travelling as part of the Australian team, the Foreveroos, competing with 70 teams from over 30 nations including Brazil, Japan, Canada, and New Zealand.
It is a proud moment for Walk Football NSW Director, Nick Constantinou, who started the Rockdale group.
Walking Football Federation of Australia (WFFA) and Walking Football NSW are a not for profit organisation run by volunteers and formed for the sole purpose of promoting and developing Walking Football amongst the elderly.
The sport started in England in 2011 by John Croot who wanted to modify soccer so the elderly could play.
Rockdale is now one of almost 30 Walking Football hubs across NSW.
“We decided to call it WalkSoccer in NSW to differentiate it from rugby league,” Nick said.
“It’s to keep us fit, involved and part of the community. When you turn 60 you have reached your use-by date in the workforce and you are overlooked in society.
“Walking Football is vital in getting the elderly out of the house and away from the pokies; to feel part of something, sharing community values in sport, having social interaction and a yarn and a joke,” he said.
“It’s a community sport that men and women can play together and all are equal – something that was never considered in our youth.”
Steve Wade, 60, decided to join WalkSoccer because he missed playing sport.
“I’m definitely a lot fitter than when I started. And the social side is more important that the competitive side,” he said.
For Betty Servis, a retired palliative care nurse, WalkSoccer has defined her retirement plans.
“I used to play soccer but I wasn’t fit enough to play anymore. I heard about Walking Football and decided to try it. I’m definitely fitter. My blood pressure has come down, I’ve lost six kilos, I have new friends and I have a new retirement plan.
“When I retired I didn’t know what to do with myself, so I went back to work. I tried retirement again and this time I took up Walking Football. Now I won’t be going back to work because I’ve found something to be involved in. We are a pretty diverse group. There are many stories here. This is what keeps it interesting.”
WalkSoccer accepts female players 40 and over and male players 50 and over.
“We prefer well-seasoned, calm players,” Nick said.
The oldest member is 82 year old Eli who runs 5kms every week and is going in the City2Surf this month.
Nick describes Walking Football as the new lawn bowls.
Last month, Bayside Council supported the WalkSoccer Rockdale team with a $500 grant.
“The Rockdale hub was the first Walking Football hub in NSW. With the great support of Bayside Council it set the blueprint for council and community based Walking Football hubs across the state,” Nick said.
Responsibility for running the almost 30 Walking Football hubs across NSW is shared between Walk Football NSW chairman Lee Pepper, Kerryann Johnston, John Hanley and Nick Constaninou.
“One of our major goals is to a permanent home base,” Nick said. “The beauty of Bayside is its proximity to Sydney Airport. At our four day training camp two weeks ago we had people flying in from South Australia, Perth, Coffs Harbour and Melbourne. We could organise a national event, or even an international event to be played in Bayside if we had a permanent group,” he said.
“We are not seasonal players but well-seasoned seniors who deserve a home,” Nick said.
