Since switching to walking football, lifelong soccer player Noeline Cassettari has been playing with the big boys... or at least the old boys.
Roughly a year after taking up the modified version of the game, Noeline is set to represent the men's over 60 side at the International Walking Football Federation World Championships.
The 60-year-old Somersby resident said she couldn't wait to get to Italy to contest the championships, which will take place in Florence from July 14-17.
"I really love playing, I'm looking forward to playing against teams from other countries around the world, I'm looking forward to seeing Florence, I've never been there before," she said.
Noeline originally expressed a desire to play for an over 60s women's team, but they were unable to get a team together. She was then told she could play in the over 70s men's team. Once again, organisers couldn't get a team together, so now she finds herself in the men's over 60 side.
"I've been playing soccer since I was 14. I was never that good, because I'm quite small, but I've always enjoyed playing.
"I moved to the Central Coast from Sydney during lockdown and soon after, I heard they were playing walking football at Tumbi Umbi."
So she went along to the Rose Academy - one of the Central Coast Mariners' facilities and has been playing for the team known as the Ancient Mariners ever since.
"For me it's (walking football) the best of football. There's no heading, no tackling, no running, but I can practice the skills I do have, like trapping and passing.
"Because it's walking football, it levels the game."
In addition to playing locally, Noeline has also travelled to play against clubs in Pittwater, North West Sydney and Gold Coast. She said in addition to being a good way to get exercise, it was a great way to make friends.
This will be Noeline's second international tournament - she competed in football in the World Masters Games many years ago.
When asked what it was like to play with the boys, she wasn't afraid to show a little self deprecating wit.
"Apparently the men had a meeting before I joined and said 'we're going to win this', but there's been no mention of winning since I joined."
All jokes aside, she said the men she had played with over the past year had made her feel right at home.
"The men I've played with have all been very happy to include me.
"I was put in as goalie in a tournament in Brisbane and didn't let a goal in.
"All the men on the opposition team were high fiving me every time I made a save.
"The rules make it very safe and fun for everyone."
For more information on Walking Football click here.
