It started a few years ago, when we talked about “walking football” for the first time. And yes, he is exactly what his name suggests: football while walking, but without running. A good idea that was primarily aimed at all those kickers who can no longer run or want to run. In this way, those people should remain with football who would otherwise – mostly – for health reasons – be forced to watch. But what about walking football today? The Weser courier gives an overview.
Was ist Walking Football?
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A very flexible matter for people from the age of 60, that much is certain. There are certain requirements. However, they can be modified as required. The rules indicate that a team “usually” consists of six players. The playing field (officially 42 by 21 meters tall) should therefore also be adapted to the actual number of walking kickers. On the other hand, the gates that are one meter high and three meters wide are rather not negotiable, surrounded by a so -called goal circle: it must not be entered by anyone, because there are no goalkeepers. There is also no corners and throws. If the ball leaves the field, the opposing team rolls in. This is because the ball is literally kept flat and no head balls are allowed – if the ball flies higher than one meter, a violation of the standard is associated with this. The season “depends on the wishes of the participants”; However, 40 to 60 minutes with a negotiable number of breaks are common.
What are the advantages of walking football?
They are obvious. “This is a good story for people who are no longer so good on foot,” says Holger Franz, responsible Vice President of the Bremen Football Association. He experienced it himself when a BFV team recently competed with Wolfgang Kasper: the 77-year-old, once also a Vice President of the BFV, had his joy in the game after a long break. Because the walking football doesn’t just include the lower pace. The variant conveys people with less pronounced fitness. “In principle, we play contactless, and if one falls, it will kick off,” says Harry Köpsel. Some time ago he had launched the Walking football group of TuS Komet Arsten and knows another advantage: the ambition of the active kicker is limited. “You also enjoy the opponent’s successful actions, everyone does it as well as they can, and there is no grumbling,” says the 65-year-old.
People always tell me that they would make themselves smart on the Internet, but trying to try it themselves is much more sensible.
Harry Köpsel
Holger Franz also observed a social function. “You suddenly see people who have not seen for a long time,” says the Vice President. Anyone who had to end his career at some point due to one or the other physical complaint will return to the lawn thanks to the less intensive walking football. “It is the response to old football sizes, there are some friendships,” said Holger Franz. Therefore, the “third half” would also play a weighty role in the gathering of the more mature kickers.
What does the Bremen scene look like?
“There is a fixed community with 35, 40 people,” says Holger Franz. When the association had offered a few taster events at the beginning of 2024, they were always visited by “60, 70 people”. “It was a great success,” says the Vice President. Last summer, however, two more offers had to be deleted, once because of the heat and once because of a lack of interest. “I had a few more people in mind, it is running slowly,” says Harry Köpsel. So his TKA is looking for other members for the walking football group. “People always tell me that they would make themselves smart on the Internet, but trying to try it themselves is much more sensible,” said Köpsel. He is convinced that those who have tried it first and know about the advantages of walking football will be preserved. In this way, “a career could be extended by ten, 15 years”.
You know that at Tura, the Mecca of the Bremer Walking Football. “They are very active and have enough players after the dissolution of their Ü60,” says Harry Köpsel. SV Werder also has a corresponding group, and in Bremerhaven the SFL holds up the flag of the walking kickers. That was also the case with clubs in which walking football plays a role.
What’s next?
The active people had wanted a game operation and the association delivered: on September 21 (Bremerhaven) and on October 12th (at the TKA in Oberwandand), points are played. At tournaments, and in view of a absent SV Werder with only three fixed participants: the TKA, Tura and the SFL Bremerhaven. If you belong to a club, you can also register with the BFV and could then become part of an Allstar team. The association itself also considers whether it is competing with his team. For Holger Franz, a further step is associated with the official tournaments: “I firmly assume that we can establish the walking football.” Harry Köpsel also sees a development that has far from ended. “In the beginning, walking football was only smiled at tired, but acceptance increases.”
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Key Rules and Benefits of Walking Football
Let’s delve into the specifics. To help you understand the game better, here’s a breakdown in a clear and concise format.
| Feature | Details | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| The Walking Rule | Players must walk at all times. Running/jogging is strictly prohibited. | reduces risk of injuries, allows participation for those with mobility limitations, promotes a safer and more inclusive gameplay experience. |
| Field of Play | Typically smaller than a full-size field (e.g., 42 x 21 meters). | Suits the pace and stamina requirements of the players. |
| team Size | Usually six-a-side. | Encourages more ball contact and participation for all players. |
| No Contact | Contact is generally discouraged. | Reduces the risk of injuries, emphasizing fair play and skill. |
| Head Height Restrictions | The ball should not go above a certain height (e.g., one meter). | Promotes a more controlled game, improving ball control with the foot |
| Absence of Head Headers | Heading the Ball is not allowed | Further reduces the risk of head injuries. |
| Goal circles | The area surrounding the goals, also known as the goal circle, cannot be entered by anyone, due to the absence of goalkeepers. | Ensures a safe zone around the goal, enhancing play. |
This accessible format provides a clearer picture of the game’s structure and its advantages, appealing to a wider audience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Walking Football
Here are some of the most common questions regarding walking football, answered to help you understand and enjoy the game:
What exactly is walking football?
Walking Football is a modified version of association football designed for people who want to enjoy the game but cannot, or prefer not to, run. The core rule is that players must walk at all times, promoting a slower, safer game while maintaining the strategic and social aspects of football.
Who can play walking football?
Walking football is generally aimed at the over-60s, but it’s inclusive! Anyone who enjoys football and wants a less physically demanding version of the game is welcome. it’s a great way to stay active, socialise, and enjoy the sport, regardless of age or fitness levels.
Are there official rules? And were can the rules be learned?
Yes, there are official rules, though they may vary slightly between leagues and organizations. For detailed information on the laws of the game, you can refer to resources like The FA [[1]] or explore courses offered by England Football Learning[[3]].
What are the main differences between walking football and regular football?
The key difference is the pace. Players *must* walk, and the game emphasizes lower-impact movement. Additional differences often include smaller fields, fewer players per team, the absence of running, and reduced contact. Head height restrictions will also be key. These adjustments make the game safer and more accessible.
Where can I find a walking football game or club?
Check your local sports clubs, community centers, or local football associations. Online search engines are also a great resource; search for “walking football near me”!
