The beautiful game with no age limit
Australia's 'Oldyroos' are in training to take on the world's best seniors football teams.
Games champ at 76!
Australia’s Louise Hoskins has become the oldest Commonwealth Games gold medallist.
Hoskins, 76, and Serena Bonnell, 44, won the women’s para bowls pairs B6-B8 final against New Zealand, 6-3, 4-4.
“It is incredible. I’m still pinching myself,” said Hoskins, who was the oldest competitor at the 2026 Games in Glasgow.
“I never thought I’d ever get [a gold medal] at my age. Get out there and have a go and never give up.”
Australia is preparing to host an international football competition with a difference – where the players are aged over 70, over 75 and, in a world-first category, over 80.
The 70 Plus Soccer World Cup 2026 will be held at Redlands FC in Cleveland, 25km east of Brisbane, from 12 October to 16 October, with teams expected from Australia, England, Germany, Japan, the United States, Canada, and Wales.
The Australian teams are known as the Oldyroos, and about 90 of the nation’s best older footballers are expected to take part.
Among those pulling on the green and gold is Tony Mott, 70, a renowned rock photographer who will swap travelling with the likes of the Rolling Stones for representing Australia as a goalkeeper.
The over-80s side may be the most inspiring of all. David Mudge, now 83, is expected to be Australia’s oldest player at the tournament.
Guinness World Records lists Mr Mudge as the oldest competitive soccer player, after he played a full 90-minute match for Kissing Point Football Club in Sydney at the age of 79 years and 89 days on 25 April 2022.
Guinness notes that Mr Mudge has been involved in football for decades, first playing in the Northern Suburbs Football Association in 1958.
The tournament is also a reminder that sport in later life is about far more than scores and trophies.
OASIS Masters Football, the organisation behind the event, says its mission is to promote wellbeing among older age groups through active participation in football. Its name says it all: Older And Still Into Soccer.
That message is backed by health advice. The Australian Government recommends that people aged 65 and over aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on most days, plus muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week and balance, mobility and coordination activities on three or more days a week.
Of course, not everyone needs to play competitive football into their 80s to benefit from movement. And you should never take up an activity until you get the all-clear from a qualified medical professional.
The Oldyroos’ story also challenges tired assumptions about ageing.
These players are not pretending to be 25; they are showing what is possible when you keep training, stay connected, and continue doing something you love.
Related reading: ABC, Health Direct, Guinness World Records
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