THEY’RE in their seventies – and some even in their eighties – but they’re still chasing World Cup glory.
More than 1000 veteran footballers and their families are expected to descend on the Redlands Coast this October when the Over-70s Football World Cup is staged at Redlands United FC.
Around 32 teams and 550 players from about eight countries will compete across 70+, 75+ and 80+ divisions when the five-day tournament runs from October 12 to 16.
Alan Greenslade, part of the OASIS World Cup Host Committee, said the event proved competitive sport didn’t stop with age.
“People will see some great football,” he said.
“But the bigger message is that life isn’t over at 70.
“You can still stay active, enjoy sport and enjoy life.”
Teams from Australia, England, Wales, Japan, Canada and the US are expected to take part in the eighth staging of the global event – and the first time it has been held in Australia.
Mr Greenslade, 76, said Redlands United was selected after organisers reviewed venues across the country.
“We needed several good fields together and strong facilities,” he said.
“Redlands came up trumps – we can play all the games there and the facilities are excellent.
“That’s a real feather in the cap for Redlands.”
Across the five days, matches will be played continuously across multiple fields at Redlands United, with teams playing two games per day before the finals are decided on the final day of competition.
A rest day midweek will also allow players to recover and give organisers flexibility if weather affects the schedule.
The tournament has grown out of international masters football competitions run by players themselves.
“It’s basically the Over-70s World Cup,” Mr Greenslade said.
“It started with teams wanting to play together and it’s spread worldwide.”
Mr Greenslade is also a player himself, having captained the Australian Over-70s team at the previous World Cup in Japan.
“We didn’t win it, but we put in a good strong performance,” he said.
“And we’re hoping playing at home might give us a chance to do even better this time.”
Redlands United FC treasurer Barry Hart said hosting the tournament was a major coup for the club and the region.
“It’s a fantastic achievement for RUFC to be chosen to host this event,” he said. “It provides us an opportunity to show off the facility and our capabilities to a wider audience.”
The club has already committed a five-figure investment in its playing surface to prepare for the heavy match schedule across five days.
“With over 1000 players and families arriving, safety and organisation are at the forefront,” Mr Hart said.
“We want to deliver the best possible event.”
The opportunity to host the tournament came through organiser Glen Martin, who has worked with Redlands United for several years delivering masters tournaments.
“When it became clear the tournament was headed to Australia, he called us straight away,” Mr Hart said.
The club is now calling for local volunteers, businesses and community groups to get involved.
“As a volunteer-run organisation we would love the local community to be part of the event.”
Volunteers will help with everything from guiding visiting teams and spectators to assisting with logistics and event operations.
Economic Development portfolio councillor Peter Mitchell said the event would bring international visitors to the region.
“There are opportunities for restaurants, accommodation providers and tourism operators,” he said.
“And probably a number of massage therapists and physios.”
Councillor Jason Colley said several locations were considered to host the event, but organisers ultimately chose Redlands, impressed by the enthusiasm of local stakeholders and the region’s commitment to delivering a standout experience.
“There is no doubt demonstrating our capacity to host a large, international event like this will give the organisers of other events faith in our ability to do the same for them,” he said.
And if anyone doubts the competitive spirit of the players, Mr Greenslade has a simple message.
“Just come and watch,” he said.
“You’ll see that the love of the game doesn’t disappear with age.”
A Redland City Council spokesperson said it has successfully hosted several major sporting events.
“Successfully hosting large sporting events builds the city’s reputation to host premier events, particularly in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” the spokesperson said.
The Redlands Coast Events Strategy 2024-2029 calculates economic impact to Redlands Coast at $121 per person, per day for day visitors and more for overnight visitors.
