Mick Trim is the president and founder of Walking Football 4 Health Victoria, which is an inclusive sports program where locals can play a modified version of soccer. Some of the rules for walking football, which allow the game to be accessible to all ages and abilities, include no running, no contact, and no ball above the waist. Mick spoke to Sam Porter about himself, his work and his community.
What’s your connection to Brimbank?
I am president of Walking Football 4 Health Victoria and we have two programs at the Keilor Basketball and Netball Stadium. These programs are for seniors and are held on Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons.
What do you like about Brimbank?
I am a big believer in people being active and social. Brimbank has many opportunities for this to happen. The Keilor Basketball and Netball Stadium and the surrounding parklands is a great example of this.
What, if anything, would you change about Brimbank?
I would like to see more availabilities for people aged 40 to 65 to play social sport in the evenings and weekends. These times are generally only available for juniors and for competitive people. Not every worker, especially as they get past 40, wants to be competitive and some may prefer to play social sport. This will help keep this demographic active and could lessen their issues as they age.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
Keilor Basketball and Netball Stadium
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
In 2017 I got diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Due to the pain I had to give up work, driving and sport. I became very depressed, spending all day in bed, having a couple of breakdowns. Then I found out about walking football and realised I could play the sport due to its low impact. Walking football definitely has been a life saver for me.
What do you like about your job at Walking Football 4 Health?
Hearing and seeing all the positive and good news stories from the participants. With locations across Melbourne there are plenty of these programs, with player ranging from 89 year olds to participants with Parkinson’s, to participants who have suffered from a stroke or heart attacks.
