Does anyone take part in this type of game? I know there are groups in my area and they are very popular for men over 50. I’m not sure if women play too?
Quote…Walking football is different to regular Association Football in many ways and is aimed at the over 50’s age group. Many tournaments are now catering exclusively for the over 60’s age group.
It has very specific rules that outlaw all running and allows no contact between players. Over-head height restrictions and indirect free kicks ensure that the sport is played safely with full consideration to the participants’ age.
Teams are either 5 or 6-a-side. As a result of these rules, games are played at a slower pace, often on state of the art 3G artificial grass pitches, thus reducing the threat of pain, discomfort and injury, with players briskly walking through matches. This allows people who have loved the sport all their lives to once again safely get back to playing and also introduces the sport to people who perhaps have never considered playing before.
There’s a team or two play this at our local football pitch, both men and women play. I see them turn up on Sunday afternoons all looks very friendly and they are getting a bit of a following by looks of it a few returning fans each week. I was almost tempted to go and see it myself when they said they had hot chocolate and biccies at half time, that beats a manky bit of orange any day
I have seen it on TV only but it looks like a good idea, if it gets people out and still provides a bit of exercise. What I can’t get my head around is at what point does walking become running?
