By: Teresa Gong

For older adults and those with exercise-limiting medical conditions, playing walking soccer may bring health benefits. A variant of traditional soccer that prioritizes players’ health and safety, walking soccer has gained popularity over the past 12 years. Currently, there around 600 walking soccer clubs in England alone.

Walking soccer prohibits running and jogging, and one foot must be kept on the ground at all times when playing. It’s played on a smaller field, usually 55-66 yards long and 35-45 yards wide, and each team fields fewer players than they would for a traditional soccer game.

Participants in walking soccer are finding physical and mental health benefits. The low-impact nature of the sport makes it accessible to individuals with various health conditions, and studies have shown that it may help reduce body mass and unhealthy body fat in older adults. The sport also helps players build social connections, enhancing their well-being and reducing feelings of loneliness.

“The guys really took to it because they were able to reconnect with their teammates, both on the field and in a social setting after the game,” said George Gorecki, 62, who founded Walking Soccer Chicago in early 2019. “Walking soccer opened a door that would have otherwise stayed closed.”

People interested in trying walking soccer are advised to consult with their primary care physicians before participating in sports and to look for local recreation departments or senior centers that offer walking soccer or other sports-related activities.

“Walking football has become an important part of our lives with our training and matches, but we never forget we are a community team,” said Shaun Sherrick, who has run the Barnet WFT (Walking Football Team) since 2015. “Play to stay fit, play to laugh, and your football family will grow.”