Walking footballers do Coast proud

Two Central Coast residents have done the region proud by competing in the Australian Over-70’s Walking Football (WF) Team at the Brisbane QUT WF Tournament on April 22, with the team coming a creditable fifth out of 10 teams.

Even more impressive is that the Over-70’s team played in the Over-60’s Division, which included one team with three ex-Matildas as players.

Central Coast Ancient Mariners WF Squad members Joe McEwan and Cliff Parker were in the team, with Parker serving as Captain.

“It was a great honour to be given the captaincy and also represent the Central Coast,” Parker said.

“We’re proudly affiliated with the Central Coast Mariners A-League Club, which gives us support and encouragement.

“When we played against the ex-Matildas team, I was marked by ex-Matilda Captain Sonya Gegenhuber and understandably there was no way I was given any ‘space’.

“Sonya is still an excellent footballer and a warm and giving person; she’s a legend of women’s football.”

Late last year, WF organisations throughout Australia were asked to recommend two-three players aged over 70 to attend a two-day training session at Soccer5 Tuggerah, facilitated by Dr Harry Hubball from The University of British Columbia, Canada.

Hubball is a highly credentialed seniors’ football coach and player and chaired the Super Masters WF/5v5/4v4 World Cup Tournaments at FIFA HQ Switzerland, Europe and UK in 2006-2022.

Also attending was National WF Ambassador and ex-Socceroo Captain Paul Wade, who assisted Hubball and commented on player’s abilities.

Of the 16 talented players who attended the training, 10 were chosen for the QUT Tournament.

The current squad contains players from NSW, Queensland and South Australia.

In July, the Australian over-70 team will be back in Brisbane for a tournament when the Women’s Football World Cup is being played in Australia and New Zealand.

“Walking Football is a great way for older people to stay active, socialise and keep playing the game they love (or simply play it for the first time),” Parker said.

“It’s generally designed for females over 40 and males over 50 and everyone is welcome.”

The Ancient Mariners play every Sunday from 8.30am to 10.30am at the Soccer5 Sports Complex, 1 Bryant Dr, Tuggerah – all welcome.

For details call Parker on 0416 153 630.

Source:
Central Coast Ancient Mariners WF Squad