Where It All Began
The story of Walking Football Brisbane began in June 2017, with a television news report and the determination of one man.
While watching television from his home in North Lakes, Queensland, Alan Templeton saw a story about a group of former professional footballers in England who still wanted to play the game they loved but could no longer manage the physical demands of running. They had developed a slower, more accessible version of football that allowed players to continue enjoying the game while placing less strain on their bodies. They called it Walking Football.
Alan, himself a former S.A. Rothman’s and N.A.S.A. league player, immediately saw the potential of walking football. He searched for an organised program in South East Queensland but found nothing available.
Rather than give up, Alan decided to create one himself.
His first challenge was finding somewhere to play. That search led to an agreement with iPlaySports Centre in North Lakes, now known as Northside Indoor Sport & Fitness, for a weekly social walking football session.
Alan then established the Walking Football Brisbane name, created a website and Facebook page, and began promoting the concept to other football enthusiasts.
After months of planning, the first Walking Football Brisbane session took place on Sunday, 7 January 2018, at iPlaySports North Lakes, with just 12 players taking part.
From Twelve Players to a Brisbane-Wide Community
The modest first turnout did little to dampen Alan's enthusiasm. He continued promoting the sport and, before long, established additional venues at Coorparoo and Newmarket.
Walking Football Brisbane continued to grow, eventually establishing regular sessions at venues throughout Greater Brisbane. One particularly significant development was the introduction of walking football on a lawn bowls green at Club Oxley, an initiative that brought together the ideas and efforts of several long-standing members.
Alan's influence also extended beyond Brisbane, helping facilitate the development of walking football on the Sunshine Coast and Redcliffe Peninsula.
The Birth of Walking Football Brisbane Tournaments
Alan's vision extended beyond weekly social games. He wanted players to have opportunities to compete, meet other teams and showcase walking football.
That vision led to the first QUT Walking Football Festival, held at the QUT Kelvin Grove Stadium on 7 October 2018.
Five teams participated, including players from Gympie, Mackay and Sydney. The event became the beginning of what would develop into a growing tournament program attracting teams from across Australia.
Recognition Across Queensland
Alan's contribution to walking football quickly attracted attention.
In August 2019, Football Queensland appointed him as its first Walking Football Development Manager, recognising his work and passion for developing the sport. He subsequently played an important role in the expansion of grassroots walking football programs throughout Queensland.
Becoming a Member-Owned Association
In February 2020, Walking Football Brisbane transitioned to a wholly member-owned, not-for-profit sporting association and elected its first Management Committee.
This marked an important new chapter, establishing a structure designed to ensure the organisation could continue to grow and serve its members.
In December 2020, members also voted to remove the age restriction from the Constitution, reinforcing the belief that walking football should be accessible to everyone.
Growing Participation and Representation
The following years saw Walking Football Brisbane continue to expand.
The association established new venues, introduced merchandise, formed representative teams and supported events throughout Queensland and Australia. The WFB50s and WFB60s were selected as the organisation's first representative teams in 2021.
In 2022, Walking Football Brisbane became a Football Queensland affiliated club, sanctioned by Football Australia. That same year, the organisation helped establish a 12-hour continuous walking football world record, raising more than $2,000 for the Club Oxley Flood Relief Fund.
WFB representatives also began appearing regularly in Australian national teams, while the association's teams travelled interstate and competed at major tournaments.
A Growing Competitive Force
By 2023, Walking Football Brisbane had developed into one of Australia's leading walking football organisations.
The association entered teams across multiple age groups, including the WFB50s, WFB60s, WFB65s, WFB Soccettes and WFB Social teams, at the FQ QUT Cup.
Its representative teams went on to achieve significant success, winning their respective divisions at the FQ Walking Football Fest and the Australian Masters Games walking football tournament.
Members have also represented Australia at international competitions in countries including Italy, Wales and England.
Today
Walking Football Brisbane Inc is now a wholly member-owned, not-for-profit sporting association, managed by a dedicated committee of volunteers who share a passion for football and the walking football community.
What began with one person, one television report and a group of just twelve players has grown into a thriving community providing opportunities to play, compete, socialise and stay active.
The organisation's continued development reflects the commitment of its members, volunteers, sponsors, partners and supporters.
And while Alan Templeton is no longer at the helm of the organisation he created, his contribution remains an important part of the history of walking football in Queensland. His vision laid the foundation for a community that continues to grow and develop the game he was so passionate about.
Get Fit. Get Active. Get Social Again.
Our Mission
To promote, support and develop walking football participation throughout the Greater Brisbane Region as an inclusive social and sporting activity.
Walking Football Brisbane aims to grow participation, support clubs and players, promote health and wellbeing, encourage social inclusion, develop competitions and events, and provide opportunities for referees and officials to develop their skills.
The organisation's objectives focus on Participation, Support, Social Inclusion, Promotion, Events and Education, with the goal of making walking football accessible to people of all ages, genders and abilities throughout Brisbane and South East Queensland.
A Legacy Built by the Walking Football Community
From its first session in North Lakes in January 2018 to its involvement in major tournaments, representative football, national teams and grassroots development, Walking Football Brisbane has come a long way.
It started with one person who saw an opportunity
It grew because people believed in it
And it continues because of the people who play, volunteer, support and promote the game