By: Melody Dou

The first walking football (soccer) program was launched in Derbyshire, England in 2011 by Chesterfield Community trust to help older adults who are unable to play soccer. As its name suggests, this sport doesn’t allow running, meaning that at least one foot must be always on the ground.

According to The Washington Post, soccer “requires rapid accelerations, decelerations, turns and stops, which take a toll on players’ knees and ankles … players cover, on average, nearly seven miles, in a single match.” The high physical demand of soccer prevents many others from participating in the sport.

Besides not being able to run, walking soccer also has other rules “to prioritize players’ health and safety,” according to The Washington Post. Walking soccer uses a smaller field that’s 55 to 65 yards long and 35 to 45 yards wide with 6 players on each side instead of the 11 that are typical to regular soccer games.

Walking soccer has many health benefits too. It not only gives people a chance to exercise, but it also helps with a person’s mental well-being.

According to Amy Chan Hyung Kim, the associate professor of sports management at Florida State University, “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 clubs also gives players a sense of community. Shaun Sherrick runs Barnet WFT (Walking Football Team) in London. “We are not just a walking football team, we are a football family,” said Sherrick.

Members of the team have also visited people with dementia to chat about soccer, went to schools to talk to students, and make meals for children in need.

“Play to stay fit, play to laugh, and your football family will grow,” he said.

Sources:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/07/18/walking-soccer-rules-health-benefits/