WALKING the lines of a soccer pitch is fast becoming a fun and useful exercise for seniors from Tea Gardens and surrounds, as they take part in the burgeoning walking football league.
The Tea Gardens Soccer Club has embraced the concept and has players turning out representing the over-50s, over-60s and even over-70s.
“The last game day, Saturday 31 May, was picture perfect,” program facilitator Shayne Reynolds said.
“Although the pitch was a little soggy, [the day] was well-attended by keen returning players and more welcome newcomers who came to sit and watch [but] volunteered…once they saw how good it was,” he said.
“The ‘play of the day’ went to Aunty Liz who shot a blistering goal from several metres out that appeared to have been shot out of a rocket launcher and never looked like missing.”
Although scores are decidedly not important, the end result of the two 10-minute halves of play was four goals to five.
Next up is a “Come and Try Day” set for Saturday 14 June at Memorial Oval, at the corner of Witt and Hough streets, with sign-on from midday for 12.30pm games.
All skill levels are welcome to attend; no boots or gear is needed, just enthusiasm, a cold drink and a fold-up chair.
The Tea Gardens Soccer Club has provided Saturday winter sport for children since its first day back in 1990.
“The very first day, over 100 children persuaded their parents to take them to Memorial Oval in Tea Gardens to see what this was all about, and [so] the Tea Gardens Soccer Club was created through the volunteer help of numerous local businesses, tradespeople and parents.”
Shayne and his partner Lynne Wood were among those business owners, and both are very happy to see the club still flourishing 35 years later.
“It gives me a great sense of belief in our local community to see how this has grown and had such a positive effect on not only the kids, but also the parents and grandparents who are getting involved.
For more information go to northernnswfootball.com.au/competitions/walking-football or teagardenssc.com.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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