An Introduction to Walking Football and Where You Can Go to Play It.

Walking football is like any other activity or hobby. The rules apply to it and like those of other sports, they are there to make participating in such pastimes a fair and enjoyable experience. For some people this means changing the rules of a game; for others, it signifies changing their very nature or even name! Unofficially known as 'The Beautiful Game That's Slower' Because, by comparison with regular soccer matches following over 90 minutes of continuous running around a field, full-time walking football only plays one half and that too at leisure-stridden pace.

Whether you’re an amateur who’s never kicked a ball before, convalescing after injury, or simply getting on in years, walking football gives your recreation its traditional fast pace and yet offers off-the-beat enjoyment. In this article you’ll find what walking football is all about, some of its more beneficial aspects and where you can join clubs that play the game.

What is Walking Football?

Walking football is a sport in which players are forbidden to run. This may sound like an odd concept until you appreciate that walking and standard football do not go together very well. So one foot must always be on the ground--runners are deemed fouls. The game is normally played on small pitches with six or seven people per team. Most walking football games last for thirty minutes, although this can change according to the league or club.

The basic rule that distinguishes walking football from regular football is running or jogging. If one foot is off the floor for even a moment this constitutes a foul - even touching the ground during play constitutes a foul. With just one touch football includes play which can start at any time. This rule helps to eliminate injuries incurred as a result of sprinting or sudden stops. Physical contact between players is also reduced, making the game a suitable form of exercise for older people seeking to strengthen their basic skills or those who prefer less strenuous pursuits.

Walking football is not all about reducing the physical demands of playing; it also seeks to increase social and mental aspects. Players can work on their long range passing, their positional play with other colleagues and even try out some tactical experiments. It’s a challenging but fun game for everyone.

The benefits of walking football?

Walking football brings so many different kinds of benefits: Physical, mental and social.

As it turns out playing walking soccer has all sorts of unexpected benefits as well!

The Heart and Lungs: Walking football helps heart health as well as making the lungs work better. This easy form of exertion provides good exercise for joints and legs; it enables a man to move about without being heavily knocked about even though in fact the body's still subject to forceful blows such as those attendant on falling on hard surfaces or pressure applied by another object. By playing regular games of walking soccer one can also keep weight down eat less fatty foods cause an imbalance between its content intake and expenditure over several hours (So You Do The Splits, 2019). In a study involving 90-year-old people who still live alone, the proportion suffering from depression can reach 70 percent.

Walking football also helps mental well-being in several ways. Players stay active, engaged, and connected with others--for one thing. On top of that it also ensures that they get some exercise and fresh air which all combines to improve their mood as well as physical condition. Looking round me at some retired folks in their white vests one would have thought we had found a solution for them all: by playing walking football together they would not feel so lonely or isolated anymore, but its not just that. Other things that are helping retired people find companionship in a safe and respectful manner.

Coming together from the community: Walking football has the advantage that it brings people together in a spirit of companionship. Teams quickly form strong friendships with their fellow players, and it may be these relationships which make it worthwhile coming out to play--say 8:00 AM on Saturday mornings--even if one has been up late celebrating Christmas, out drinking or whatever other way he happens to amuse himself throughout month before last. As we get older there may not always be ways for us to participate fully in the life of society. Children leave home or grow up and go their own way; parents become frail and remote; the places we worked as adults are not our homes any longer as you get older, and this sort of social practice may fulfil that need to enhance our community life.

Offers a Safe Way to Play: Although walking football is often targeted toward older people and duffers, it's available to everyone! Whether you used to play football or if just starting out walking soccer can provide an inclusive environment where anybody can participate.

Local sports centers and leisure clubs: There are many local sports facilities and leisure centers that offer walking football sessions. These sessions are often broken down by age category, such as over-50s or over-60s, in order to allow participants to play at a rhythm that suits them. On your local council or sports center's website will usually post information about walking football programs.

National governing bodies: In the UK, the Football Association (FA) has a dedicated walking football section on its website which lists clubs and leagues throughout the country. The Walking Football Association (WFA) in the USA is a great resource for players wanting information on the game and how to find a club in their area.

Social media and online communities: Facebook groups, forums, online communities are all excellent places where you can meet walking football clubs. Many local groups promote their sessions and update players on their matches and events. With such a connected world today, find new clubs or ad-hoc games happening nearby by connecting with other players in your area.

Walking Football Tournaments and Festivals: Various walking football tournaments and festivals are held throughout the year, creating a fun competitive environment for players. These events are often promoted through national organizations like the WFA or the FA, but at local clubs you can always find smaller tournaments that will provide an introduction to more people and expand your walking football network.

In summary…

Walking football – a slower form fo the finest game on the planet, yet more than anything it’s an expanding sport with physical, social and mental benefits for players of all ages. Whether you're looking to remain active, meet new people or simply enjoy the sport in a more relaxed setting, walking football offers unique opportunities to do this. With clubs and leagues sprouting up all over the world, finding a walking football club near you is just a few mouse clicks away. Isn’t it time that you put on some boots, took the pitch and discovered for yourself the joy of walking football?