Port’s ‘Pina Koalas’ win silver at women’s walking football festival

THE “Port Pina Koalas” have claimed their first silver medal at the Festival of Walking Football competition.

The women over 60s walking football team travelled to Cromer in Sydney for the event on Saturday 6 December.

The main premise of Walking Football is in the name, with a free kick conceded if you run.

This, along with the restriction of slide tackles, ensures the game is played at a consistent speed in a five-aside format.

The final against the Sydney Striders ended in a penalty shootout, with the Koalas being edged out by just one goal.

Team Captain Dene Slater said, “The Pina Koalas played a formidable defensive game, stalling the Striders’ best moves to keep the score at nil all.

“The Striders are known as one of the best teams in the WF league, with some of their players representing Australia.

“It’s a testament to the Koalas’ commitment to improving their game that they are now holding their own against teams at a professional level.”

The Pina Koalas also fielded a social mixed team at the tournament, where scores were not kept, but a lot of laughs were shared on and off the field.

The Port Pina Koalas are actively seeking more men and women over 40 to join what is one of Australia’s fastest growing competitions.

“I encourage anyone interested in giving walking football a go to come and join our welcoming members on Tuesday evenings for a free trial at Wood Street Tennis Courts at 5pm,” Dene said.

Walking football is an adaptive football game that encourages mature lovers of the sport to continue to be involved by changing the rules, preventing injuries and facilitating the playing of the sport by those who may not be as quick as they used to be or who physically struggle to keep up with the speed of the traditional 11 v 11 game.

For more information about Walking Football in Port Macquarie contact Team Captain Dene Slater on: 0403 530 756.

By Pauline CAIN