Australia to Host World's First Over-80s Football Championship

Australia will host the next generation of senior football talent when the over-70s, over-75s, and over-80s football world championships take place in Cleveland, just east of Brisbane, later this year. Approximately 90 of Australia's most accomplished older footballers will compete on home soil.

“

I've dislocated, broken and done all sorts of damage. I've got no knuckles on one side.

The tournament will see Australian teams, known as the Oldyroos, face international competitors from the United States, Wales, England, Germany, and Japan. This event is particularly historic as it introduces the first-ever over-80s category in a world championship for any team sport, according to Pierce, who founded the Oldyroos three years ago.

Among the notable players is Tony Mott, a renowned rock music photographer who has captured images of icons like The Rolling Stones and Elton John. At 70 years old, Mott, who plays goalkeeper, displays a fearless attitude towards the sport, despite having sustained numerous injuries throughout his career.

“

I've toured with the Rolling Stones with a broken finger. It's affected me not.

David Mudge, 83, the oldest player in the Australian contingent, will compete in the over-80s team. Mudge holds a Guinness World Record for being the oldest person to play a full 90-minute competitive match at age 79. He expressed his motivation to continue playing and potentially improve his record, stating, "I didn't think I'd ever play internationally."

“

As far as my research has gone, there is nowhere in the world where there has ever been an over-80s competition in any sport.

Doug Drysdale, also part of the over-80s team, has had multiple knee surgeries but finds that the slower pace of older age group games reduces the risk of serious injury. Despite previous thoughts of retirement, he continues to participate. Notably, Football Australia and state bodies are not directly involved with the Oldyroos, with the teams relying on other support structures.

“

Especially having the record now, it pushes me to keep going to try and upgrade it.