In October 2025, Australian Walking Football reached a defining moment, one that went far beyond results on the pitch and spoke directly to the heart, culture and community spirit of the sport.
The Foreveroos, Australia’s national Walking Football representative teams, were named International Country Winners at the 2025 Grassroots Awards, presented by the Walking Football Association (WFA).
The award followed an outstanding Australian campaign at the World Nations Cup in Torrevieja, and represents global recognition of Australia’s commitment to grassroots values, inclusivity and community-led sport.
An Unforgettable Australian Campaign in Spain
Across two remarkable weeks in Spain, 67 Australian players proudly represented their country, supported by more than 40 passionate “Roo Crew” supporters who travelled from across Australia and beyond.
The Foreveroos competed in all six divisions at the World Nations Cup — a rare achievement that reflected both depth and inclusivity across men’s and women’s age groups. Just as importantly, they did so with an attitude that drew widespread praise: respectful, positive, competitive and community-first.
The WFA highlighted the Foreveroos’ first-class approach to the game, recognising not only how they played, but how they represented Walking Football itself.
More Than a Tournament: Culture, Creativity and Connection
What truly set the Foreveroos apart on the international stage was what they brought beyond the pitch.
In a tournament featuring nations from around the world, the Foreveroos:
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Produced an original team song and created the Album – Spirit of the Foreveroos
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Created a team video celebrating unity and diversity – The Spirit of the Foreveroos
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Brought together players from a vast and geographically spread country into one connected, supportive group
For the WFA, this creativity and cohesion stood as a powerful example of what grassroots sport can achieve. Uniting such a diverse group under a shared identity was recognised as a significant achievement in its own right.
The WFA and the Importance of Grassroots Walking Football
At the core of the 2025 Grassroots Awards is the philosophy and ongoing work of the Walking Football Association.
As the governing body for Walking Football in England, recognised by FIFA, the WFA has a clear responsibility to help develop the sport at all levels. While international tournaments showcase the game globally, the WFA is unequivocal in its belief that the grassroots level is where Walking Football truly thrives.
The majority of people play Walking Football for:
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Fun
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Fitness
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Friendship
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Social connection and wellbeing
Grassroots participation is therefore not secondary, it is the cornerstone of everything the WFA does.
The WFA’s work focuses on:
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Supporting local clubs and weekly sessions
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Encouraging inclusive and welcoming environments
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Promoting Walking Football as a tool for healthy ageing
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Recognising and celebrating the volunteers who make the sport possible
As Stuart Langworthy, WFA Director for Grass Roots, explains:
“Our aims are to support grassroots Walking Football at all times. The sport gives players so much pleasure and tremendous health benefits. We like to recognise, support and celebrate the people who help Walking Football to take place at clubs across the country – week in, week out.”
This philosophy closely mirrors the Australian experience, where Walking Football is built almost entirely on volunteer effort and community leadership.
Australia’s Walking Football Journey
Australia’s recognition as International Country Winner reflects the broader work being undertaken nationally through Walking Football Federation Australia (WFFA) and its member organisations.
From local weekly hubs and community sessions to state events and international representation, Walking Football in Australia continues to grow through the dedication of volunteers who prioritise safety, inclusion and enjoyment.
The Foreveroos are the international ambassadors of that work — but their success belongs to many more:
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Local hub organisers and ambassadors
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Coaches, referees and team managers
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State and national administrators
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Families, friends and supporters
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Every player who turns up each week to play
Why This Award Matters
Being named International Country Winner at the WFA Grassroots Awards is about far more than medals or match results. It recognises:
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A commitment to grassroots values
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A culture of respect and inclusivity
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Community connection over ego
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Creativity, spirit and participation
In recognising the Foreveroos, the WFA also recognised the wider Australian Walking Football community and the values it represents.
Looking Ahead
Fifteen years ago, Walking Football did not exist.
Today, thanks to organisations like the WFA and WFFA, the sport continues to grow, offering people the opportunity to keep playing longer, to return to football in a safer format, or to discover the game for the very first time.
The Foreveroos’ journey to Torrevieja showed the world what Australian Walking Football stands for and why it continues to thrive.
Congratulations, Foreveroos 🇦🇺💚💛
To the 67 players, the 40+ Roo Crew supporters, and the volunteers behind the scenes, this recognition belongs to you.
You have represented Australia with pride, creativity and heart.
You have shown what grassroots sport can achieve on the world stage.
Fun. Friendship. Fitness.
This is Walking Football.
This is the spirit of the Foreveroos.
