An AFL Masters team on the Mornington Peninsula is helping mature-aged players destress, social and exercise, and even fulfil childhood dreams.
Players in the Peninsula Raiders' Over 45s, Over 55s and its women’s teams ‘huddle’ during training at Alexandra Park, Mornington. Photo: Sophie Loft
According to Psychology Today, mental health is crucial for people over the age of 35 as it significantly affects their overall quality of life, work productivity, and relationships. This age group often faces increased life stresses, such as career demands, family responsibilities, and health changes, which can impact mental wellbeing.
Team sports can offer players a sense of community, teamwork, and an outlet for emotional support.
AFL Masters caters to players over the age of 35, providing a safe, supportive, family-oriented, and fun environment to play Australian Rules Football, welcoming all skill levels. The Peninsula Raiders is an AFL Masters representative team based on the Mornington Peninsula.
The Peninsula Raiders provide a range of teams for mature-aged players to become involved in, including Over 35s, Over 45s, Over 50s, Over 55s, and a newly introduced AFLW team.
Over 55’s player Brendon Gardner started playing football for the Peninsula Raiders in 2020, after a 37-season break. “I just had an unmet need … [a] desire to have another go”, he said.
In his everyday life, Gardner is the CO of the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, a job he described as “somewhat stressful”, however he is able to combat this stress and anxiety with playing football with his mates, as playing AFL Masters is “a great release.”
In contrast to Gardner, player and previous secretary committee member, Andy Riddle grew up “always want[ing] to play football”, but he never got the opportunity to. “I got to 35 and there was a chance to sort of relive, you know, or live some memory, and get into football”.
Like Gardner, Riddle has also benefited mentally and socially from the club. “Just coming down here on a Wednesday night, didn’t matter how bad your week has been … you come down here, you kick the footy for a few hours, and all you’re thinking about is catching that footy, and hanging around with your mates,” he said.
“From a mental health perspective [the club is] just priceless”.
Since the beginning of his involvement with the club, Riddle has played more than 120 games over 15 years.
The Peninsula Raiders Football Club is always looking for and encouraging mature aged players of all ages and genders to join AFL Masters League.
