Walking football runs every Monday from 1.30pm to 2.30pm at Ascot Vale Leisure Centre, and the next session is on 11 May 2026. You pay $5.95 at reception when you arrive – no need to book ahead.
The game is exactly what it sounds like: a version of soccer where running is banned. The ball stays on the ground, tackles are non-contact, and the pace is friendly enough for a first-timer or someone nursing an old knee injury.
A member of the Walking Football 4 Health Victoria Facebook group, who joined two months ago, described the change simply. “In the 2 months I have been playing Walking Football, I have grown fitter, healthier and happier. It has given back my zest for life.”
The Ascot Vale sessions are part of a year-round, 52-week program run through MOVE Moonee Valley, Walking Football 4 Health Victoria and Belgravia Leisure. The current block runs from 4 May to 22 June, and the organisers stress that no football experience is needed. Rules are modified so anyone can join, including people recovering from illness or surgery.
Alongside the regular Monday games, special Access All Abilities sessions run at the same venue, designed for neurodivergent and disabled participants. They operate with the same come-as-you-are philosophy – no prior skills, no pressure – and are led by the same team. Contact the centre or check the MOVE Moonee Valley website for upcoming inclusive dates.
The format suits over-50s particularly well. Unlike traditional soccer, the no-running rule cuts joint impact dramatically, which makes it a gentler choice for long-term fitness than high-intensity sport. It is also far more social than a solo gym workout: players rotate into small-sided teams, and the focus stays on passing, laughing, and keeping the ball moving, not on the scoreboard.
Two things to remember. First, you do not need football boots or shin pads – comfortable sportswear and runners are fine. Second, the $5.95 casual fee is paid at reception on arrival, so have cash or card ready. No one is turned away for lack of skill, and the only expectation is that you give it a go.
Public transport makes the trip straightforward. Tram 57 stops directly outside the leisure centre, running from Flinders Street through to West Maribyrnong. Ascot Vale Station on the Upfield line is a 10-minute walk away, and buses 220 and 472 stop nearby.
After the session, Moonee Ponds village is a five-minute drive or a pleasant walk. Queens Park and Moonee Valley Racecourse are also close if you want to stretch the outing into a full afternoon.
The Monday session on 11 May kicks off at 1.30pm sharp. Walk in, pay $5.95 at the desk, and join a game where the hardest thing you will do is decide which foot to pass with.
Quick Facts
Moonee Valley City Council
Moonee Valley City Council is the local government authority serving the inner north-western suburbs of Melbourne, including Ascot Vale, Moonee Ponds, and Essendon. It manages community facilities, events, and leisure programs like MOVE Moonee Valley to promote health and wellbeing. The council supports active lifestyles through partnerships with sports organisations.
Walking Football 4 Health Victoria
Walking Football 4 Health Victoria is a not-for-profit founded in 2024 by Mick Trim to make soccer safe, fun, and accessible for all ages, especially seniors and those with mobility issues. It runs modified no-running football sessions across Victoria to encourage active aging, social inclusion, and health benefits like improved cardiovascular fitness. Partners with councils and leisure centres for community programs.
Ascot Vale Leisure Centre
Ascot Vale Leisure Centre is a multi-sport community facility in Melbourne’s northwest, offering pools, gyms, courts, and group activities. Managed by Belgravia Leisure under MOVE Moonee Valley, it hosts inclusive programs like walking football to support local health initiatives. Well-serviced by public transport and popular for family and senior activities.