Whilst you may no longer be as fleet of foot as you once were, walking football presents itself as a welcome opportunity to roll back the years, lace up your old boots and score yourself an absolute screamer into the top corner. Get in!
Devised a decade ago in 2011, popularity for the sport has grown exponentially amongst those in their middle and senior years and it’s hard not to see why. The game has a host of both physical and mental benefits and the nature of it, as a slower-paced sport, caters to those who are less mobile and more at risk of injury. There’s no running and no or minimal body-to-body contact. It’s inclusive and accessible to anyone who has fallen in love with the beautiful game.
Walking football strikes the perfect balance between being a healthy activity to keep fit and not being too physically demanding so as to do more harm than good. It’s ideal for the over 50s and the game has gone from strength to strength since its humble beginnings. Walking football perfectly fills a unique sporting gap, facilitating a competitive and social atmosphere whilst also promoting good physical health. Perhaps most importantly of all, it’s immensely enjoyable, invigorating, and improves self-esteem. So whether you fancy yourself as Messi or Ronaldo, Pele or Maradona, Beckham or Best, go out there and show the world what they’ve been missing!
Health benefits include:
- Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease Keeping active always helps your heart.
- Improves blood pressure Do you have high blood pressure? Walking football is a great way to get it down.
- Decreases the likelihood of stroke Walking football reduces your risk of stroke.
- Lowers bad cholesterol Improve your cholesterol ratios by reducing your bad cholesterol.
- Maintains healthy blood sugar levels This lowers the chance of type 2 diabetes.
- Reinforces bone strength and good posture The weight bearing exercise is good for maintaining bone strength and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
- Encourages social interaction It provides the perfect platform to get out and meet people, make new friends, and engage with your local community. It widens circles and creates an outlet for those who feel socially isolated to become more engaged and feel part of something bigger.
- Keeps you fit Two x 20 minute a side equals 40 minutes of active walking and kicking exercise. You will get fit in no time!