Walking footy making strides in Busselton as popular program gears up for Bunbury expansion

Busselton is under the grips of an exciting new sport — walking footy. Run by West Coast Eagles community coordinator Josh Cassidy, who is based in the South West, walking footy provides an opportunity for people over the age of 55 to reconnect with the game they love. Such is the demand for the six-week program, plans are in place for it to be expanded into Bunbury next year. “It is a game of footy, but you are not allowed to run,” Cassidy said. “It really suits the older demographic, as it is at a slower pace and caters for all ages and abilities. For people who may not have played footy before, it gives them a chance to get in there and make a go of it. “Equally, it is good for people who may have played in their younger years, as they can get back into having a kick. “It is a little bit easier on the body, less strenuous, however it still provides an intensity high enough to get some physical benefits out of it.” There is a major social component to the program as well, with several participants at the present Signal Park sessions catching up for a coffee following each game, which are held on Friday mornings. “We start at 7.30 in the morning, so for players who need to duck off to work after they can do so,” Cassidy said. “The mornings tend to suit everyone — as it is a good way to start the day.”