By: Andy Gao
Gary Clark loves to play soccer. However, his knee injury has prevented him from playing his favorite sport. He felt sad and defeated until he heard of a new sport, walking soccer, from the United Kingdom.
Launched by the Chesterfield FC Community Trust in 2011, walking soccer allows people of old age or those with injuries to continue to play soccer. The sport allows for better physical health and for a chance to socialize with other like-minded people.
Walking soccer contains a different set of rules than normal soccer to help prevent the risk of injury. For example, players are not allowed to run or jog on the field, one foot must always touch the ground, and players are not allowed to have direct contact with each other. Walking soccer is also played on a smaller field and with a smaller group of players. All these rules provide a safe environment for all to play.
Although walking football (American Walking Soccer) started in England, it quickly spread to many different countries, including Canada and the United States. FIWFA (Federation of International Walking Football Associations), the international governing body for walking football, includes member organizations from countries around the world, including Italy, Nigeria, Australia, South Korea, and India.
Since walking soccer has become widespread across the world, the FIWFA has introduced the World Nations Cup, the equivalent of the World Cup for walking soccer. The first World Nations Cup will take place in the United Kingdom this August.
A benefit of walking soccer is that it can help players lose weight and maintain a healthy and active body. “Walking soccer opened a door that would have otherwise stayed closed,” stated George Gorecki, who was unable to play soccer due to medical conditions. (The Washington Post, 2023)
People also love walking soccer because of the social aspect. “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,” said Amy Chan Hyung Kim, associate professor of sports management at Florida State University.” (The Washington Post, 2023)
Many people attend walking soccer games to socialize with their team afterwards. “After we finish playing, we go to the pub, have lunch and a couple of beers, and razz each other about the game,” said Clark. (The Washington Post, 2023)
Walking football has become an important part of people’s lives worldwide with all the benefits it brings. “Play to stay fit, play to laugh, and your football family will grow.” (The Washington Post, 2023)
Sources:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/07/18/walking-soccer-rules-health-benefits/