Adelaide to host Golden Oldies World Football Festival

Adelaide

Adelaide has secured the Golden Oldies World Football Festival which will attract more than 1000 players to South Australia.

Acting Tourism Minister Kyam Maher said this is the fifth time South Australia has hosted a Golden Oldies Festival but the first time football has been played.

“For the first time this year the Golden Oldies Festival has introduced football and Adelaide is the first city to enjoy this addition,” Mr Maher said.

“More than a 1000 participants are expected to visit Adelaide during the festival.

“They will visit our small bars and restaurants and other attractions in the regions, injecting about $1.2 million into the economy.

“The first Golden Oldies Festival was held in 1979 and so far there have been 37 host cities.”

The 2016 program includes four days of football competition and four days of leisure activities including a picnic and touring day.

Participants will play two matches a day against similarly matched teams.

The first Golden Oldies Festival was held in 1979 when 15 rugby teams congregated in New Zealand.

Golden Oldies have subsequently grown into a significant and recognised brand that encompasses sporting events for players, supporters and officials over the age of 35.

Adelaide has previously hosted four Golden Oldies Festivals including Netball (1998), Rugby (1999), Hockey (2009) and Cricket in 2012.

The Golden Oldies World Football Festival will be held in Adelaide from October 9 to 16 next year.