Seniors keen to stay active will find the Alive and Kicking Hills just what the doctor ordered. This over-60s football group, which meets at the Ted Horwood Reserve in Baulkham Hills every Tuesday morning, has thriving after a humble start.
The idea behind this 2025 venture, which is supported by The Hills Shire Council, is to help the older footballers – the oldest is Jimmy Moreland, 80, – have fun and stay involved in the game.
The original Alive and Kicking started at Northbridge Oval about five years. Alive and Kicking Hills was started two years ago by Bill Renton, 69 and Keith Pierce, 72.
“Keith sent me a email about having an over 60s kick around. I thought just up my alley,” Renton told the Hills To Hawkesbury Community News.
Love Playing Football
“I love playing football, one touch and running with the ball. The camaraderie is great, knowing a few from the past, and I really enjoy our hour and a half together.
“I play for the Hills Knights over 45 team and I’ve just registered for the Baulkham Hills FC Over 55 team as the Hills Football Association, which I help to start, is running an Over 55s competition this year.”
Pierce has been playing football since age nine and after a few breaks, resumed playing when he was 41. He has played in the World Masters Over50s at the Pan Pacific Masters and Australian Masters.
“I have usually put teams together for these games, being Baulko FC and the Hillsbillies,” Pierce said. “I could see that over 60s football was growing and none of the football organisations wanted anything to do with it as they were pushing Walking Football.
Started OASIS Masters
“So I started OASIS Masters Football Association for Over 60s as there were many teams and OASIS bought them together. Alive and Kicking Northbridge was the most organised playing every Thursday morning, expanding to Monday as numbers grew.
“Billy and I decided to start one in the Hill as we live here and we know a lot of players over 60 want to play. We would like to have it go around Australia and have women join in.
Renton won the silver medal with the Over 65 years team in the 2024 Pan Pacific Games on the Gold Coast. In 2025, playing for the Canberra Old Boys over 65 team, he helped them win the Australian Masters grand final, beating Pierce’s Camden team 3-1.
Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne said the council was delighted to support the initiative. “This is a fantastic example of council supporting grassroots programs that keep our seniors active and connected,” Mayor Byrne said.
“Programs like Alive and Kicking Hills remove barriers to participation and make it easy for older residents to look after their physical and mental health.”
Renton said they have 24 members playing every Tuesday morning, aged from 63 to 80, some coming from areas outside the Hills.
“We are very grateful for the support from the Hills Council and the Mayor. We are promoting the Alive and Kicking to males over 60 and females over 45.
Friendships We Have Formed
“One of my favourite aspects is the friendships that we have formed, which has turned into an over 55 team being formed to play for Baulkham Hills FC in the HFA 2026 over 55 competition.
“BHFC have been very supportive of us. Plus, we are discussing the possibility of getting an over 65 team to play in the Pan Pacific Tournament on the Gold Coast in November 2026.”
To join or learn more about the program can contact The Hills Shire Council or email [email protected]. The Facebook link is http://www.facebook.com/AliveNKickingHILLS
