Walking Football for Over 75s: A Guide to Senior Fitness and Fun
Walking Football for Over 75s: A Guide to Senior Fitness and Fun
Blog Article
Football is a sport cherished by people of all age groups, and walk football is proving that even those who are over 75 can appreciate this beautiful sport. Walk football offers older adults a way to remain active, socialise, and enjoy themselves without the physical exertion of traditional football. This modified form of the sport guarantees safety and accessibility, with rules prohibiting running, head play, and tackles with heavy contact.
In the UK, walk football has gained attention as more over-75s join the field. Recent competitions, like the inaugural over-75s league in Greater Manchester, highlight the camaraderie and enthusiasm among participants who show that no age is too old for football. Figures like Geoff Martel, an motivational captain for the England over-75 team, highlight the enthusiasm and commitment present in this growing community.
Walk football isn't just about playing; it’s about improving health, mental health, and fun in later life. The sport focuses on both physical fitness and mental well-being, providing a valuable outlet for older adults seeking to maintain an active lifestyle. The increase of walking football among older generations signals an exciting evolution in how we view ageing and sports participation.
Key Takeaways
Walk football is accessible and safe for over-75s.
The UK has seen a rise in walk football participation among older adults.
The sport supports health, mental health, and community among seniors.
History and Growth of Walking Football
Walk football, introduced in England, is designed primarily to seniors, offering an inclusive way to play football without the demands of sprinting or high-impact play. While initially aimed at those aged 50 and above, its reach has spread across the UK and globally, even inspiring events such as the Aneurin Bevan Shield.
Origins in England
Walk football originated in 2010 in Chesterfield. This adaptation of the game was designed for men over 50, enabling them to keep enjoying football in a less physically demanding form. The concept rapidly gained traction, as it allowed participants to reconnect their passion for football without the risk of injuries associated with running.
A important moment in its early growth was the sponsorship by Barclays in 2014, which greatly increased awareness. Through targeted advertising campaigns, walking football became popular among communities, prompting more people to participate. This greater participation helped cement walking football's place as a viable sports option in England.
Expansion Across the UK
As walk football became more widespread in the UK, its appeal spread throughout the UK. By appealing walking football over 75s to both men and women, the sport grew to include players aged 60 and over, over-70s, and even women aged 40 and above. This responded to a increasing demand for leisure activities tailored to seniors.
Local groups and nonprofits, such as UK-based Age organisations, played a significant role in this expansion. By offering walking football sessions in various communities, they made the sport more accessible to a wider audience. Clubs began forming in towns across the UK, incorporating walk football into their regular sports programs.
Walk football came to Blackpool in 2014 with the formation of 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 regular players. The popular club hosts two social sessions each more info week, welcoming to all players, at the new Common Edge Community Sports Village.
International Recognition and Aneurin Bevan Shield
Walk football has gained global recognition, with teams forming in numerous countries beyond the United Kingdom. The game’s inclusive nature and health benefits appeal with seniors worldwide. To foster international competition, events such as the Aneurin Bevan Cup have been introduced.
The Aneurin Bevan Shield, an yearly competition, celebrates the essence of walking football while paying tribute to Aneurin Bevan, a key figure in welfare state history. This competition has cemented walking football's status on the global stage, bringing squads together from across the world to play and share best practices.
Rules and Adaptations for Over 75s
Walk football offers 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
Walk football is adapted from the conventional game to adjust for older players. Critical adjustments guarantee it's suitable for the over-75s. Running is strictly forbidden. Players must keep one foot on the ground at all times, minimising the speed of play and the risk of falls.
Heading is not allowed in walk football, safeguarding players from potential head injuries. Tackling is light and only involves reduced contact to avoid unnecessary physical harm. The ball often remains at a controlled height throughout the game, lowering the chance of mishaps. The field and goal sizes are smaller than standard, making the game more manageable.