Over 75's Walking Football: Your Guide to Staying Fit and Having Fun in Later Life
Over 75's Walking Football: Your Guide to Staying Fit and Having Fun in Later Life
Blog Article
Soccer is a sport cherished by people of all age groups, and walking football is proving that even those who are over 75 can appreciate this beautiful sport. Walking football provides seniors a method to stay active, interact with others, and have fun without the physical exertion of regular football. This adapted version of the game ensures safety and accessibility, with rules prohibiting running, head play, and tackles with heavy contact.
In the UK, walking football has become popular as more over-75s take to the pitch. Recent tournaments, like the inaugural over-75s championship in Greater Manchester, showcase the camaraderie and enthusiasm 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, highlight the passion and commitment present in this growing community.
Walk football isn't just about the sport; it’s about enhancing health, mental health, and fun in later life. The sport addresses both physical fitness and emotional health, providing a valuable outlet for seniors seeking to sustain an active lifestyle. The increase of walking football among older generations marks an exciting evolution in how we view ageing and sports participation.
Key Takeaways
Walk football is accessible and safe for over-75s.
England has seen a growth in walk football participation among older adults.
The sport promotes health, well-being, and social interaction among seniors.
History and Growth of Walking Football
Walk football, introduced in England, caters primarily to older adults, offering an inclusive way to play soccer without the requirements of sprinting or high-impact play. While initially aimed at those over the age of 50, its reach has expanded across the UK and globally, even leading to events such as the Aneurin Bevan Tournament.
Origins in England
Walk football began in 2010 in Chesterfield, England. This adaptation of the game was developed for those aged 50+, enabling them to keep enjoying football in a low-impact form. The idea rapidly gained traction, as it allowed participants to reconnect their passion for football without the risk of injuries associated with running.
A notable moment in its early growth was the sponsorship by Barclays in 2014, which significantly boosted walking football over 75s awareness. Through focused advertising campaigns, walk football became well-known among communities, further encouraging people to participate. This increased participation helped cement walking football's place as a viable recreational activity in the UK.
Expansion Across the UK
As walk football became more widespread in England, its appeal extended throughout the UK. By catering to both male players and women, the sport grew to include players aged 60 and over, over-70s, and even women aged 40 and above. This met a increasing demand for recreational sports tailored to older adults.
Local groups and nonprofits, such as Age UK, played a significant role in this growth. By organizing walking football sessions in multiple communities, they increased accessibility to a wider audience. Clubs were established in cities across the UK, integrating walk football into their regular sports programs.
Walk football came to Blackpool in 2014 with the formation of Blackpool Senior Seasiders Walking Football Club. As well as an Over-75's team, the club also manages Over-50's, Over-60's, Over-65's, and Over-70's teams and has over 100 active members. The well-known club runs two recreational sessions each week, welcoming to all players, at the new Blackpool’s Common Edge Sports Village.
International Recognition and Aneurin Bevan Shield
Walking football has gained international attention, with teams being established in numerous countries beyond the United Kingdom. The sport’s welcoming atmosphere and health benefits resonate with seniors worldwide. To foster cross-border tournaments, events such as the Aneurin Bevan Shield have been launched.
The Aneurin Bevan Shield, an yearly competition, celebrates the essence of walking football while honouring Aneurin Bevan, a notable personality in welfare state history. This competition has cemented walking football's status on the global stage, bringing squads together from different countries to compete and exchange knowledge.
Rules and Adaptations for Over 75s
Walking football provides an inclusive way for over-75s, and even over-80s, to stay active. This adaptation of football has specific rules and adaptations to ensure safety and accessibility for older players.
Modifications from Traditional Football
Walking football is modified from the traditional game to cater for senior participants. Critical adjustments ensure it's suitable for the over-75s. Sprinting is strictly forbidden. Players must keep one foot on the ground at all times, minimising the pace of play and the risk of falls.
Heading the ball is not allowed in walk football, protecting players from potential head injuries. Defending is light and only involves reduced contact to avoid unnecessary physical harm. The ball often stays at a lower level throughout the game, lowering the chance of accidents. The pitch and goal dimensions are downsized, making the game more manageable.