Go ahead, ask a friend what they know about co-ed walking soccer. Seriously. Ask them and you’ll get a range of answers, from “Never heard of it” to “Oh, yes! It’s the best thing ever!”
Known as walking football in the United Kingdom, I’m told it is the fastest growing team sport among people over 55. Similar to regular soccer in many ways, it has several important distinctions. The most obvious one is speed, but for those who have played regulation soccer, and are still able to run, this can be the biggest challenge. After three blue cards, it’s into the penalty box for them! Other differences include smaller-sized nets, varying degrees of competitiveness, and self-refereed games.
Rules are a work in progress. Some have developed over the years by local authorities in response to local conditions, to enhance safety and to prevent injury. For example, when passing the ball, players are expected to keep the ball below either head or shoulder height, or when shooting on goal, below knee height.
Given the advanced age and potentially vulnerable condition of some players, there is an increased risk of serious injuries caused by contact. This has resulted in a widely accepted code of conduct regarding no-contact. Players are expected to pass the ball in situations where contact would otherwise be likely. Although accidental contact can still occur, players are much safer overall.
For some people, fun and socialization are their top priority, with the added physical health benefits like improved cardiovascular strength. Participants also find improvement with balance, muscle strength, stamina, and weight. There is a great deal of satisfaction and confidence that comes with the physical effort and teamwork involved. The social interaction can improve one’s mental health and overall wellbeing.
Peter Denby is the Director of Development for the South Island Classic Soccer Association on Vancouver Island and is very enthusiastic about the way walking soccer has grown in popularity. He says it started in the UK in 2011, and there are over 1,100 teams now in Europe, Australia, the US, and Canada. Although some players enjoy both regular and walking soccer, it’s typically a team game for players over 50, “whose physical abilities prevent them from playing the running game, who prefer to play in a contact-free scrimmage, or who are recovering from an injury and use walking soccer as part of their rehabilitation.”
The growth in popularity of walking soccer in BC is remarkable. Peter predicts that within five years, each community may have walking soccer teams. A quick internet search of the Lower Mainland brings up teams in Surrey, Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, and Maple Ridge and, in January 2022, a new one in White Rock.
Peter watched the rapid growth on Vancouver Island in Parksville, Nanaimo, and Victoria. Over the past year, for example, two groups have developed in Victoria’s Oak Bay, consisting of 17 players in one, and 31 in the other.
“Monday afternoon scrimmages are for people who have not played soccer before or have not played for many years,” says Peter. “Wednesday afternoon is for those who have played before or are still playing the running game.” Victoria teams participated in a tournament in Nanoose Bay in October.
In addition to his local work, Peter organized a walking soccer tour, which was originally scheduled for May 2022 in Britain. Due to ongoing restrictions, however, it has been held over to May 2023. He is excited about this 21-day tour that will have players participating in seven games in seven towns.
Additionally, an application has been made for walking soccer to be included in 55+ BC Games.
Walking soccer has a lot to offer. As someone who always loved team sports but avoided pain on the field or court whenever possible, this walking soccer game sounds very appealing! Maybe I’ll give it a try. How about you?
For more information, visit www.svicsa.com and click the link for Co-ed Walking Soccer or contact Peter Denby: pdenby74@gmail.com
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