WFFA Cup 2026: A Celebration of Walking Football, Friendship, and Future Promise
Updated: Oct 15
By Kevin Milstein, Victorian Walking Football Gaffer
The inaugural WFFA Cup took place at Cromer Park, NSW, over the weekend—a true festival of Walking Football, fun, friendship, and competitive spirit.
Bringing together players from across the country aged 40 to 70+, both male and female, the tournament was the brainchild of Lee Pepper and his team at Walking Football Federation Australia (WFFA), strongly supported by interstate committee members in the months leading up to kick-off.
To say it was a success is an understatement.
Pre-Tournament Vic squad dinner with a presentation to the "gaffer" Kevin.
Day 1: Testing the Waters & Reconnecting
Opening day on Saturday, 10 October, began with a sense of anticipation. For many, this was uncharted territory—certainly as the first national tournament of its kind hosted in Australia.
The early hours were spent finding our bearings, exploring the grounds, and—most importantly—reconnecting with old friends. For those who had previously represented or played in international events, it was a welcome chance to catch up with former teammates.
The warmth and camaraderie were palpable... right up until the whistle blew for the first kick-off!
Gathering the teams before the opening ceremony.
The Spirit of the Game
While the competitive drive was unmistakably there, the true spirit of Walking Football shone through. By Sunday, 11 October, as the final whistles blew, players from opposing sides walked off the pitch not as rivals, but as firmer friends than when they walked on.
That is the essence of Walking Football:
Fitness: Staying active and healthy through the sport we love.
Community: Enjoying the banter, connection, and shared passion.
Fun: Playing hard, playing fair, and celebrating every moment.
Winning on the scoreboard is great, but the genuine win lies in the community we build every week back at our home clubs. That spirit carried right through the weekend at Cromer Park.
How Did Victoria Fare?
This tournament marked a major milestone: the first time Victoria fielded dedicated state squads at a national tournament. Spearheaded by the growth of the Victorian Walking Football Friendship League (WFFL) and followed by intensive state squad training, Victoria proudly entered men’s teams across three age divisions: 50s, 60s, and 70s.
It was a baptism by fire. On Day 1, our teams looked a little shell-shocked by the intensity, but as the games progressed, everyone found their rhythm and confidence:
Over 70s: Battled valiantly through a tough group. While wins proved elusive, they held their own in every match and never let a game get away from them.
Over 60s: Showed great resilience, growing stronger as the weekend went on to finish with a hard-earned and memorable victory.
Over 50s: The standout surprise of the weekend! Delivering an outstanding campaign with 2 wins, 3 draws, and just 1 loss, they secured 3rd place overall and took home the Bronze Medal.
Every Victorian player returned home with a real sense of accomplishment, knowing they had played a part in a landmark moment for our state.
Step 1 Complete: What Does Step 2 Look Like?
The question on everyone’s lips now is simple: What’s next?
The excitement for the future is electric. Conversations are already underway around:
Specialized Training: Elevating state squad preparation and tactical coaching.
Expanding the Player Pool: Welcoming and developing new talent across Victoria.
The Next Target: Aiming high for the upcoming tournament on the Central Coast, NSW, in March 2027.
This tournament proved that Victorian Walking Football has arrived on the national stage. To every Victorian player, supporter, and organizer moving forward, remember this simple truth built entirely on two-letter words:
"If it is to be, it is up to us!"
P.S. You might have noticed we only mentioned our men’s teams competing this weekend. Where were the Victorian women? That’s a great question—and one we want to answer together! If you know women aged 40+ who would love to share the national stage with us, let them know that Walking Football welcomes them with open arms. Let's make sure Victoria brings a women's squad to the next tournament!
Finishing tables for the Vic teams WFFA Cup 2026
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