By: Ryan Sung

What is walking soccer? The majority of Americans reading this article most likely have never heard of it, either. Walking soccer is simple at its core and is a sport that any person can play as long as they have two functioning legs.

In order to understand walking soccer, it’s essential to know its rules. Walking soccer is as it sounds: It is essentially soccer but without the high-intensity and fast-paced aspects of the sport. It’s illegal to run or jog, and one foot must be on the ground at all times. Walking soccer also prioritizes health and safety rather than action. As a result, walking soccer is more friendly to many older age groups compared to other sports.

Since walking soccer is much less physically demanding than its counterpart, there are unique benefits that walking soccer provides. According to the Washington Post, walking soccer improves mental and physical health. Walking soccer allows many older adults to reconnect with each other through sports rather than simply playing board games to interact. Walking soccer is physically productive, and the average person can do 3,500 to 7,000 steps each game.

Walking soccer also focuses more on mental health compared to physical health. A study of seven men with mental health conditions playing walking soccer for an hour resulted in the men reporting that they felt better about themselves. According to Professor Amy Chan Hyung, “Research shows that older adults who play sports have a higher level of self-efficacy and express stronger feelings of personal empowerment, as well as enhanced self-confidence and self-worth.” Walking soccer, as boring as it may sound, opens up opportunities for friendship and socializing.

Walking soccer, at its core, focuses more on teamwork, bonding with others, and socializing rather than focusing more on physical workouts. According to Sherrick, “Walking football has become an important part of our lives with our training and matches, but we never forget we are a community team.” This concept makes walking soccer a unique sport that can be played by anyone and a game where even if you win or lose, you will be closer to your teammates every game.

Walking soccer will probably never be on mainstream TV because of its mundane nature. However, walking soccer is not meant to be entertaining and thrilling like football or action-packed like soccer. Walking soccer is the sport you play when you want to pass the time while bonding with your friends.