By: Ronald (Ray) Wu

The sport of soccer has a very long history, dating back to 206 B.C. — more than 2,000 years ago! However, modern soccer was created in late 1863. Recently, in 2011, soccer has started to branch into a new terrain – a new variant of called “walking soccer” was invented.

As the name suggests, walking soccer follows most of the rules of modern soccer. During playtime, walking is always required. Walking soccer is also played on a field smaller than regular soccer, about 60 meters long and 40 meters wide, making it four times smaller than a traditional 120 by 90 meter pitch.

When it first gained popularity, some people laughed and thought it was a joke. However, this newborn sport is totally legitimate. Although some thought it sounded as if children invented it, it was created by an adult named John Croot.

Walking soccer started to become popular as soon as it was invented. Despite some still not taking it seriously, word spread about the sport as time passed.

Walking soccer was made for a reason—it enables anyone above the age of 50, including those with mobility disorders, to play because it has a lot less physical contact and doesn’t come with as many risks compared to conventional soccer. This is crucial because bones weaken progressively once you reach adulthood, and it takes a motivating and safe activity to have fun and stay safe.

Walking soccer is still a good workout, which is especially important for the older adults who play because metabolism deteriorates with age. It also improves strength, balance, and stamina. In an average game of soccer, each player averages 7 miles—not including the goalkeeper. Walking soccer’s mile coverage is slightly less than normal soccer, sitting at around 4 to 5 miles per game. Many find it a great way to stay fit and healthy during their retirement years.

There are a variety of mental and social benefits of walking soccer. It has been proven that anyone with mental conditions can benefit from socializing during the game, as faces a lower risk of injury than they do in regular soccer.

“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,” Amy Chan Hyung Kim, professor of sports management said.

According to Kim, people who are interested in the sport should consult their physician instead of entering the sport right away. Even though players are walking around and kicking the whole game in walking soccer, it is also critical to know that it comes with a risk, just like conventional soccer. It’s true that physical contact is reduced, but not prevented completely.

Walking soccer is now becoming increasingly popular, but it most likely won’t be added into the Olympics or any other high-profile tournament, mainly because the game has a lack of mobility and doesn’t have a clear definition of “walking”. Despite some flaws, British clubs sometimes include walking soccer as one of their workouts.

Walking soccer is very important because older and partly disabled people need a way to stay fit, have fun, while not taking as many risks. It has become a popular game despite not being included in any sports club.