SANFL and ECH extend Walking Footy Partnership

SANFL and ECH are excited to announce an extension to their partnership as a new season of Walking Footy kicked off at Walkerville Football Club on October 19.

Introduced as an Australian-first in 2019, SANFL & ECH Walking Footy is steadily building its participation base with close to 100 players taking part in various games throughout 2022.

‘’Walking Footy is an innovative concept to provide older South Australians with an opportunity to remain physically active and socially engaged,’’ SANFL Chief Executive Darren Chandler said.

‘’For the first time this year, we established the first Walking Footy hub outside of the metropolitan area in Kadina, ensuring those in regional communities also have the chance to maintain a healthy lifestyle and build community connection.

‘’We look forward to expanding Walking Footy even further in 2023, with some exciting initiatives to be announced early next year.’’

ECH General Manager of Client Experience Carolyn Dawkins said the introduction of Walking Footy offered older South Australians a fun way to stay active while having a positive impact on their mental health through providing a way to stay socially engaged.

“Connecting with others, learning new skills and making an ongoing contribution to society are all important to ageing well,” Carolyn said.

‘’ECH is equally excited to continue promoting Walking Footy as a valuable way for our clients and residents to remain physically and mentally active in their daily lives.’’

SANFL & ECH Walking Footy is a six-side mixed team game which has no running or tackling and is played on a field slightly larger than a basketball court.

The concept was co-designed by SANFL and leading home care provider ECH, in conjunction with participants, to offer a fun, safe and inclusive modified game of Aussie Rules footy