In December 2018, Rob from Casey suffered a massive stroke that left him catatonic for six weeks.

He lost movement on his left side, experienced significant vision loss and cognitive challenges and was unable to return to work or drive trucks, which at the time was his livelihood.

“For four years I lost confidence in myself because I felt completely useless,” Rob said.

Everything changed in June 2024 when Rob came across a newspaper article about a walking football group in Dandenong South.

Encouraged by the Saturday afternoon sessions, Rob attended with his 14-year-old daughter, Wendy.

The pair immediately loved it.

Walking Football 4 Health’s mission is to foster community connection, social inclusion and participation through a game designed with inclusion at its heart.

Regardless of age, ability or background, the organisation now runs a number of programs across Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs for seniors, women, families and people living with disability.

Since the first joined in June 2024, Rob has become an active member in Walking Football 4 Health and has now become a session leader.

“Walking football has given me a new lease on life,” Rob said.

“If I don’t play for a while, I start getting twitchy. It’s helped with my brain damage; always looking for the next pass.”

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wf4healthvictoria

For his daughter, Wendy, the program also became life-changing.

Diagnosed at 13 with a non-ossifying fibroma, a benign tumour condition that weakened both femurs, she had been forced to stop playing basketball.

“I really enjoy the game,” Wendy said.

“I’m learning soccer and the people on the teams are really helpful. I enjoy being part of a team again and being more active without stressing my legs.”

Rob’s wife, Robyn, says the impact on their family has been enormous.

“Since starting Walking Football, Rob’s mental health has improved substantially,” she said.

“He’s gone from feeling isolated to looking forward to the game each week. It’s also given him and Wendy a bonding experience they wouldn’t have otherwise had.”

Source: https://cranbournenews.starcommunity.com.au/news/2026-05-23/walking-football-bringing-community-together-in-casey/