International Women’s Day – Sunday 8 March 2026 provides an opportunity to celebrate the growing role women are playing in the development of walking football across Australia.
International Women’s Day, Sunday 8 March 2026, celebrating women in Walking Football. This day provides an important opportunity to celebrate the growing role women are playing in the development of walking football across Australia.
Over the past 12 months, participation by women in walking football has more than doubled, reflecting a powerful shift in how women over 40 are engaging with sport, physical activity and community connection.
Across Australia, more women are discovering that walking football offers something many sports struggle to provide later in life: a welcoming and inclusive environment where participation, wellbeing, friendship and enjoyment are just as important as the result.
A Community That Welcomes Women
One of the most encouraging aspects of the sport’s growth has been the support shown by the broader walking football community. Men involved in the sport have played an important role in welcoming and encouraging women to join local sessions, teams, festivals and tournaments.
This culture of respect and inclusion reflects the true spirit of walking football in Australia. It is a game built on participation, encouragement, safety and connection.
With simple rule modifications such as no running, no body contact and no high balls, walking football provides a safer and more accessible format for players of different ages, fitness levels and football experience.
For some women, walking football represents a return to sport after many years away. For others, it is their first experience playing football. Many arrive feeling uncertain, only to discover a supportive community where new players are encouraged and friendships develop on and off the pitch.
Participation Growing Across All Ages
Participation is growing across all age groups, but one of the most exciting trends is the increase in women over 60 taking part.
Women in walking football are proving this to be an ideal sport for healthy ageing, helping players maintain mobility, confidence and social connection. Regular participation provides motivation to remain active and the sense of purpose that comes from belonging to a team.
Across the country, it is increasingly common to see women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s sharing the same pitch. This intergenerational participation demonstrates that involvement in sport does not need to end at a certain age.
Competition Opportunities Expanding
As participation grows, so too does the level of competition and the opportunity for women to play against others in their own age groups.
National and regional events throughout 2026 will provide opportunities for players to compete in women’s divisions across multiple age categories, while also supporting social, festival and mixed participation formats.
Initiatives such as the WFFA Cup will strengthen the national pathway, giving players the opportunity to represent their state or territory, compete against teams from around Australia and help identify talent for future international representation.
While competition is an important part of the sport’s growth, walking football will continue to provide a place for women who simply want to stay active, meet new people and enjoy the game without pressure.
Women in Walking Football are Leading the Way
Women are also making an increasing contribution beyond the playing field. Across Australia, women are becoming referees, coaches, team managers, hub coordinators, event organisers, committee members and advocates.
Their leadership is helping create stronger programs, more welcoming environments and new opportunities for women in communities across the country.
A Strong Future Ahead
The growth of women’s walking football reflects the sport’s ability to combine health, participation, friendship, leadership and competition in a format that welcomes players at every stage of life.
As the number of women playing continues to grow, so too will opportunities for competition, leadership, volunteering and national representation.
On International Women’s Day, the Walking Football Federation Australia celebrates the women helping shape the future of walking football in Australia: players, volunteers, referees, coaches, managers and organisers whose enthusiasm, commitment and passion continue to grow the game.
The future of women’s walking football in Australia is bright, inclusive and full of opportunity and it is only just getting started.
