Walking Football for Over 75s: Your Guide to Staying Fit and Having Fun in Later Life
Walking Football for Over 75s: Your Guide to Staying Fit and Having Fun in Later Life
Blog Article
Soccer is a sport cherished by individuals of all ages, and walk football is demonstrating that even those who are over 75 can enjoy this beloved sport. Walking football offers seniors a method to remain active, socialise, and have fun without the physical exertion of regular football. This adapted version of the sport guarantees safety and accessibility, with rules banning sprinting, head play, and tackles with heavy contact.
In England, walking football has become popular as more over-75s join the field. Recent competitions, like the inaugural over-75s league in Greater Manchester, showcase the camaraderie and spirit among players who believe that no age is too old for football. Individuals like Geoff Martel, an motivational captain for the England over-75 team, illustrate the passion and commitment present in this expanding community.
Walk football isn't just about the sport; it’s about improving well-being, mental health, and fun in later life. The game addresses both physical fitness and mental well-being, providing a valuable outlet for seniors seeking to maintain an active lifestyle. The rise of walking football among older generations marks an exciting evolution in how we view ageing and sports participation.
Key Takeaways
Walk football is available and secure for over-75s.
The UK has seen a growth in walk football participation among older adults.
The sport promotes health, well-being, and community among older adults.
History and Growth of Walking Football
Walk football, started in the UK, is designed primarily to older adults, offering an accessible way to enjoy soccer without the requirements of sprinting or high-impact play. While initially aimed at those over the age of 50, its reach has spread across the United Kingdom and globally, even inspiring events such as the Aneurin Bevan Shield.
Origins in England
Walking football began in 2010 in Chesterfield, England. This version of the sport was developed for those aged 50+, allowing them to continue playing football in a less physically demanding form. The idea quickly gained momentum, as it enabled participants to rediscover their passion for football without the risk of physical harm associated with faster play.
A notable moment in its early growth was the sponsorship by Barclays in 2014, which greatly increased awareness. Through targeted advertising campaigns, walk football became popular among communities, prompting more people to participate. This increased participation helped cement walking football's place as a legitimate sports option in England.
Expansion Across the UK
As walk football grew in popularity in England, its attraction spread throughout the UK. By catering to both men and women, the game expanded to include players aged 60 and over, over-70s, and even female players aged 40 and above. This responded to a growing demand for leisure activities tailored to older adults.
Local groups and charities, such as UK-based Age organisations, played a significant role in this growth. By offering walk football sessions in various communities, they made the sport more accessible to a wider audience. Teams began forming in towns across the UK, integrating walk football into their regular sports programs.
Walking Football came to Blackpool, England in 2014 with the formation of Senior Seasiders Walking Football Club. As well as an Over-75's walking football over 75s team, the club also runs Over-50's, Over-60's, Over-65's, and Over-70's teams and has over 100 active members. The well-known club hosts two social sessions each week, open to all, at the new Blackpool’s Common Edge Sports Village.
International Recognition and Aneurin Bevan Shield
Walking football has gained global recognition, with teams forming in numerous countries beyond the United Kingdom. The sport’s welcoming atmosphere and physical advantages resonate with seniors worldwide. To promote international competition, events such as the Aneurin Bevan Cup have been launched.
The Aneurin Bevan Shield, an yearly competition, honours the spirit of walking football while paying tribute to Aneurin Bevan, a notable personality in welfare state history. This competition has helped solidify walking football's status on the world sports scene, bringing squads together from different countries to compete and exchange knowledge.
Rules and Adaptations for Over 75s
Walk football offers an engaging way for over-75s, and even over-80s, to stay active. This adaptation of football has specific regulations and modifications to enhance safety and accessibility for older players.
Modifications from Traditional Football
Walking football is modified from the conventional game to adjust for senior participants. Key rule changes ensure it's suitable for the over-75s. Running is strictly forbidden. Players must always have at least one foot touching the ground at all times, minimising the speed of play and the risk of falls.
Heading the ball is not allowed in walking football, protecting players from potential concussions. Defending is light and limited to safe interactions to prevent unnecessary physical harm. The ball often remains at a controlled height throughout the game, lowering the chance of accidents. The pitch and goal sizes are smaller than standard, making the game more manageable.