Dear Rotarian and Peace Builder,
Don’t miss the upcoming 2025 National Festival of Walking Football – a festival where every smile meets friendship, and where inspiration is found everywhere.
Join us for two incredible days celebrating Unity, Friendship, Health, Mental Wellbeing, and building a Culture of Peace across Australia.
Join Peace Ambassadors, Rotarians, Rotary Peace Fellows, Peace Advocates, Community Leaders, Civil Society Organizations, and friends from across Australia and the world as we commemorate the International Day of Peace 2025 through sport, unity, and service.
Venue: Princes Park, Carlton North
Date: 13th & 14th September 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily
This event is proudly supported by Melbourne City Council, Soccer for Peace Foundation, Love the Game Not the Odds, Salvation Army Gambling Services, Gamblers Help Line, Rotary Clubs of Sapele GRA, Rotary Club of Peace, the International Online Mega Meeting Platform, and many other valued partners.
Why Walking Football?
Walking Football is a low-impact, modified version of soccer where players walk instead of run. It retains the spirit of the game while reducing injury risks, making it ideal for:
- Seniors
- People returning to sport
- Those recovering from injury
- Anyone looking for a fun and inclusive way to stay active
Key Features
Non-contact – safe, supportive, and friendly
No running – one foot on the ground at all times- Modified rules – smaller pitches, gentler play, accessible to all
Team-based – encouraging communication, friendship, and social connection
What to Expect: The Game
- Gentle, small-sided matches
- Social and competitive groups (Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed teams)
- Over 200 players and participants from across Australia
Booths & Stalls – featuring health and wellbeing partners such as:
- Medibank
- LiveUp
- Fitrme
- Mineral Drink Australia
- Salvation Army & Gamblers Help
- …and more!
On-site support by 1300MEDICS
Raffle prizes – including signed Melbourne Victory footballs
Media coverage – ABC TV & Channel 7 News
Watch & Learn More
- Executive Director Mick and Elizabeth (age 89!), one of our inspiring players, featured on ABC Weekend Breakfast:
Click here for the video - 9News Melbourne report on Walking Football supporting Parkinson’s disease:
Click here to watch
For us, Walking Football is not just a game – it’s a lifestyle.
It’s about staying active, making new friends, and improving physical and mental wellbeing.
It’s also a wonderful opportunity to share Rotary’s vision and engage in meaningful conversations about peace, service, and community connection.
Join us and make a difference across communities and Australia!
For inquiries or to participate (Rotarians especially), please call or SMS 0414 518 508.
Together, let’s stand for health, peace, and community!
Yours in Rotary Service,
Host
Michael Trim
Founder & President – Walking Football 4 Health Victoria
Host & Convener – 2025 Walking Football 4 Health Festival
Co-Host
Past President Ozuem O. Esiri
Host & Convener – The Rotary Mega Meeting
Founder & President – Soccer for Peace Foundation
Event Coordinator – 2025 Walking Football 4 Health Festival
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