Winning a bronze medal for Canada on the world stage was a dream come true for a trio of Sarnia soccer players at the World Nations Cup of Walking Soccer.
Lori Palser, Avaleen Vopicka and Donna Perrie of the Sarnia Warriors helped the national women’s over-50 team place third at the World Nations Cup of Walking Soccer recently in Torrevieja, Spain.
“It was an honour to play for Team Canada,” Palser said. “Standing on the pitch, hearing O Canada and receiving the bronze on the podium is one of my proudest moments.”
Palser was Canada’s leading scorer. She had a goal in penalty kicks in a 2-1 win over Australia in the bronze-medal game.
World Nations Cup of Walking Soccer
The inaugural World Nations Cup was in 2023. The Federation of International Walking Football Associations tournament grew this year to 54 teams from 19 nations in six divisions.
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The over-50 women won Canada’s first medals.
“I was thankful to be a part of that dream and be a part of making it possible,” Vopicka said. “I truly had the time of my life. It was a great opportunity to compete with and meet so many like-minded women from all over the world.”
Walking soccer is an accessible version of the sport designed to keep players on the pitch as they get older with less risk of injury.
The Sarnia Warriors were founded in 2016 by Kevan Parsley.
“We are so proud of Avaleen, Lori and Donna,” Parsley said. “Into our 10th season playing, the ladies have put us on the map.”
Vopicka played regular soccer for decades until she was sidelined by an injury in 2021. She was thrilled to discover the Warriors in 2023.
“I have enjoyed playing with their club since,” said Vopicka, who’s also on the London club.
The Warriors and London Walking Soccer entered a joint team in The Good Games this summer in Toronto. The roster included Team Canada goalkeeper Fatima Harris of London.
Team Canada players trained together two or three times a month and also practised with their own clubs.
“It was a privilege to play with this group of women,” said Vopicka, a gold medallist at the 2005 World Masters Games. “Each member of the team contributed to our success.”
The Canadian women went 3-1-2 in the World Nations Cup round-robin. Palser scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Australia and tallied twice in a 2-0 win over Wales.
Canada played for bronze after a 1-0 semifinal loss to France.
“Walking soccer is about fitness, friendship and fun,” Palser said. “At the age of 51, I’m so thankful to be able to play the game I love with rules designed to prevent injuries.”
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Author: The Walking Football
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