Football seasons right around the country are in full swing and it’s vital for players to check their health before playing.
One of the fastest growing sections of the sport is in the age group over 35, looking to get fit or stay fit whilst enjoying the competitive but social aspect of football.
While it’s important to keep active and fit to maintain better health, it’s important not to take too much for granted just because you enjoying kicking a ball around.
Football NSW compare it to registering your car, requiring a pink slip to ensure its fit to be driven on the roads for another year.
“Football is not much different except for one thing, we don’t ask you about your fitness, we don’t ask if you have checked under your bonnet, or if your tyres and brakes are okay,” FNSW Chairman Greg O'Rourke, and over 45s player, said in a statement on Tuesday.
“For our cars we wouldn’t think twice about checking those things and fixing what's required. Sometimes it costs a bit and we lose a few hours at the mechanics but we do it because we need to ensure our car stays on the road.
"To ensure we all continue to enjoy the game we love I ask of you one thing. See your GP and get your pink slip early this season," he added.
And for inspiration, there is one footballer in the ACT who provides that to all players around the country.
Canberra’s David Richards is 75-years-old and is the oldest registered player in the nation’s capital.
He is now entering his 50th season in the game.
Despite requiring a pacemaker to fix his irregular heartbeat, he never contemplated giving the sport away and has an extra spring in his step heading into the new season in the over-45 competition,
"I get a lot of respect from the players, more than I deserve, they indulge me a bit," Richards, a life member of the Brindabella Blues club, told the Canberra Times
"You've got to keep on the move, you seize up like an old machine otherwise. I think that's what happens to older people, they become immobile because their muscles die.
"There's no reason to quit, I've improved out of sight since I've had this personal trainer, he's doing me a world of good.
"I truly believe my situation is not going to be an unusual thing in the future. I think you're going to find a lot of people like me, still playing in their later years."