Can you kick it?
The beautiful game is evolving – and walking football is taking off across the country, not just as a way to net some exercise but to conquer feelings of loneliness and connect with others, author and journalist Carrie Dunn writes
You won’t see any slide tackles or shoulder-to-shoulder challenges, but that hasn’t dampened walking football’s popularity. The name tells you almost everything you need to know – it’s football, you’re just not allowed to run.
Teams of men and women are popping up all over the UK, usually consisting of six players (sometimes competitions are five-a-side or seven-a-side), and everyone has to walk – one foot planted on the ground at all times is the golden rule of this beautiful game.
Second to know is that the ball must be played under head height – omitting any risk of head-on-ball injuries, or head-on-head contact.
You might question then, why the game, which omits some of the key components of football, is actually becoming one of the fastest growing sports across the globe.
Like the rules, the answer is a simple one.
It’s a chance for anyone to play the sport they love in an environment that’s less risky, physically, thanks to its slower pace and reduced contact.
Indeed, it’s also an attractive option for fresh faces to try something entirely new – even if they’ve never kicked a ball before – which isn’t as physically intense as a traditional game of footie.
There are, of course, lots of health benefits for participants – any chance to get more active will reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stroke while improving blood pressure, blood sugar and bone density.
“We all know getting more physically active is beneficial, and whilst we traditionally think this means we need to go for a run or head off to the gym, the benefits of walking – such as walking football – to our overall health and wellbeing, both in the short and long-term, should not be underestimated,” says Vitality’s Director of PR, Alexa Murray.
Joining a team can also have important effects on people’s mental health. Being part of a social group and interacting with likeminded others makes for improved wellbeing, which reduces social isolation and improves overall quality of life.
Paving the way
Vitality’s partner clubs have been leading the charge in the walking football arena, for both men and women, and in particular AFC Bournemouth.
Walking football has been a mainstay of the club for more than a decade, starting with a very intimate group in 2013.
Today, they boast more than 150 players.
“We have a mix of people signing up – some who have played previously and are looking for that competitive environment again, others have joined through friendship circles,” says Steve Cuss, AFC Bournemouth’s Head of Community Sports Trust.
Jordan Boyd, Rangers’ Community Programmes Manager
The social element is
the biggest part
Similar to community running, GPs have recommended walking football to some of AFC Bournemouth’s participants for the mental and physical benefits of playing team sport.
“A few are referred to us from GPs as part of a health plan. Some are total beginners and have never played football before,” says Steve.
Meanwhile, across the border in Scotland, Rangers FC’s Charity Foundation has been offering walking football for several years, with popularity constantly growing among its fan base.
Now the club runs two sessions a week – one of which feeds into a Europe-wide competitive league, offering the chance to travel and play in other countries, while another is part of a mental health project to improve psychological wellbeing.
“People might be isolated or stuck in the house. We get a lot of people who maybe have lost their partners or may not be getting out much, so this opens them up to a new range of people,” says Jordan Boyd, Rangers’ Community Programmes Manager.
“They start to take care of each other. The social element is the biggest part,” he adds.
“Whether they’ve already got a friendship group and want to meet new people, or if they’re isolated, it brings people together and it’s great for their mental wellbeing.”
Jordan recalls an occasion during an overseas trip with the squad when one participant admitted to laughing for the first time since she had lost her loved one.
“That was eye-opening,” he admits. “I wouldn't have thought it would have had that big an impact.”
AFC Bournemouth is also seeing similar benefits for their participants.
“The obvious benefits are linked to health, as being active helps many with medical conditions, but the benefits we see are far greater,” says Steve.
“Many of the people who attend are retired and are looking for activities to fill their time, which is important for their mental health.
“Others have lost partners and are socially isolated, with walking football providing the benefit of meeting new friends.
“We also find that the group socialise together outside of our sessions as a result of meeting people at the walking football sessions.”
And if that isn’t enough, there are additional benefits on offer for Vitality members who take part in any kind of walking activity, including walking football: those who walk 12,500 steps receive 8 Vitality activity points, 10,000 steps receives 5 activity points; and 7,000 steps gets 3 activity points.
So, whether you’re a keen amateur who thought your footballing days were behind you, or you simply fancy giving a slower format of the game a try, despite never having played before, why not check out walking football?
Steve says you could find just what you have been looking for. “It offers fun and friendship, plus competition if that’s what you want – and a healthy lifestyle,” he says.
Visit Walking Sports to find a session near you.
