WIR IM SPORT 05.2022
Magazine of the Landessportbund NRW
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Translated into German, "walking soccer" means nothing more than "walking soccer". This type of soccer was first played in 2011 in Chesterfield, England. Almost 1,000 teams now play this new trend sport in England.
Focus on fun, fair play and healthy exercise
Walking football has now also arrived in Germany via the Netherlands. The game is usually played four times for 10 minutes with a break of five minutes each time. The focus is on fun, fair play and healthy exercise in the community. Excerpt from the rules of the Lower Saxony Football Association: "The game is played in two teams, each with six players. The players should be at least 55 years old, with no upper limit. The pitch measures approximately 20 x 40 meters. It is therefore also possible to play walking football indoors. The goals should be one meter high and three meters wide, but mini goals can also be used.
Walking football is played walking at all times during the game. Running is prohibited. Each player must therefore always have part of one foot on the ground while moving. If a player "runs", an indirect free kick must be awarded to the opposing team. Players may play the ball no higher than waist-high. There is no goalkeeper. The "penalty areas" may be entered, i.e. offside is waived. Straddling, tackling, hard body contact and headers are prohibited. Instead of a penalty kick, if a goal is avoided by irregular means (e.g. handball), a direct free kick is awarded from the halfway line to the free goal. All players stand behind the halfway line.
Walking football is the new "healthy" version of soccer for older people who have had health problems with their muscles, joints or even their heart, but want to continue or resume playing. Here too, regular exercise is undeniably good for your health. It reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, stabilizes the immune system, reduces or prevents high blood pressure, as well as arteriosclerosis and diabetes. In terms of soccer, it even strengthens strength and balance training, which also reduces the risk of falling, improves mental fitness and social contacts.
Conclusion
Walking football is a great way to get involved in soccer at a "set age" and then sit together in a sociable group. Interested parties can obtain further information from LSB-NRW.
