By: Leela Xie
Gary Clark’s lifelong passion for soccer came to a halt after he underwent a knee replacement surgery at the age of 48. The physical demands of the sport, coupled with the risk of further injuries, made it challenging for him to continue playing. However, the emergence of walking soccer in 2011 provided a new opportunity for soccer enthusiasts like Clark to stay engaged with the sport they love without compromising their health.
Walking soccer is a modified version of the game. First launched by Chesterfield FC Community Trust in Derbyshire, England, its rules prevent running or jogging and requires always keeping one foot in contact with the ground. Talking is permitted with no contact, free kicks are indirect, and the ball must never go above head height. The smaller field and reduced team size per side make the game accessible and enjoyable for older adults (Kim, 2023).
This variation of soccer has gained immense popularity, with 600 walking football clubs existing in England alone, catering to both men and women. Moreover, the Federation of International Walking Football Associations(FIWFA) oversees the international governing body for walking football, with member organizations from countries around the world, including Italy, Nigeria, Australia, South Korea, and India (Kim, 2023). The Sport is thriving, and its biggest match, the inaugural World Nations Cup, is scheduled to take place in the United Kingdom in August.
Apart from its inclusive nature, walking soccer offers numerous physical and mental health benefits. According to a study focusing on 10 older men with various medical conditions, players experience reduced body mass and percentage body fat. Furthermore, another study in 2022 revealed that walking football interventions positively affected mental health, fostering new friendships and a renewed sense of purpose in participants (Kim, 2023).
Amy Chan Hyung Kim, an associate professor of sports management, points out that sports participation, even in modified forms like walking soccer, enhances “self-efficacy and express stronger feelings of personal empowerment, as well as enhanced self-confidence and self-worth ” among older adults. The sense of camaraderie and social interaction that follows the matches contributes to overall life satisfaction and psychological well-being.
While walking soccer may not achieve the same level of popularity in North America as it has in the UK, it still provides an excellent model for engaging older adults in physical activities that foster a sense of community. Shaun Sherrick’s Barnet WFT in London serves as a prime example, with players aged 50 to 87 participating in regular matches and engaging in community outreach efforts to support mental health and older individuals (Kim, 2023).
Overall, walking soccer has become a global phenomenon, offering a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable way for soccer enthusiasts of all ages to continue playing the sport they love while reaping numerous physical and mental health benefits. As the sport continues to spread, more people can look forward to staying fit, forming strong social connections, and being a part of a football family that transcends the field.
Source:
Walking soccer, a British import, has many American players cheering
Kim, Meeri. “Walking soccer, a British import, has many American players cheering.” New York Times, https://eb18600f7bb2916037f5ee8e636ce199.cdn.bubble.io/f1690134838548x129056601873389400/What%20are%20the%20rules%20and%20health%20benefits%20of%20walking%20soccer_%20-%20The%20Washington%20Post.pdf