For Walking Football players of all ages in Queensland, using Football Queensland's 2026 Walking Football Program Guide. Covers the walking rule, no contact, no heading, ball height, goalkeepers, formats, registration and fees.
Walking Football is a small-sided, modified version of the game, suitable for all levels of ability and fitness, from people returning to sport after a break to those who have never played before. It is low-impact, team-based and non-contact, with players always keeping one foot on the ground. Football Queensland says it is not just for seniors: it is for anyone wanting to stay active, connected and competitive at any age.
Football Queensland describes three types:
For tournaments, depending on entries, Football Queensland aims to offer: Women 40+, 50+ and 60+; Men 50+, 60+, 65+ and 70+; and Social Mixed divisions (Women 40+ with Men 50+, or Women 55+ with Men 60+), with a minimum of 2 women on the field at all times.
The key rule is "No Running": players must always have one foot in contact with the ground.
If a team accumulates four running offences during a match, the opposing team is awarded a penalty kick. The count then resets to zero and accumulates again.
No. Walking Football is a non-contact format. Under the Football Queensland Program Guide:
No. Under the Football Queensland Program Guide, heading is not allowed.
Yes. A ball height restriction applies. Football Queensland's Program Guide says the restriction cannot be less than the height of the crossbar and not greater than 2 metres. Any breach results in an indirect free kick to the opposition.
Older national Walking Football program material from 2021 used a different figure (6ft, or 1.83m, with a direct free kick), so the figure can vary between programs.
Under the Football Queensland Program Guide:
The Football Queensland Program Guide lists these other rules:
The Football Queensland game format is:
To get started in Queensland:
Every player pays the annual Football Queensland governing body fee, currently $15, which includes insurance. The fee is reviewed annually.
Clubs are encouraged to charge a small weekly fee (for example $5 per session) to cover costs, collected at the start of each session.
Each weekly session is controlled by one program facilitator or leader. Their key role is to keep the game moving fluently, limit stoppages and help players with all restarts. The facilitator can be a club official, parent, player or Walking Football community member, and should explain the rules to players and why a decision has been made.
Facilitators are encouraged to complete a free Walking Football referee course before sessions start.
To become a Walking Football referee in Queensland, you submit a referee-specific expression of interest to Football Queensland through its Walking Football page (footballqueensland.com.au/walking-football). Questions can go to walkingfootball@footballqueensland.com.au.