Walking football is gaining a foothold in Innsbruck as a specialized sport designed to combat loneliness and provide accessible physical activity for older adults. The initiative, spearheaded by 70-year-old Herbert Rieder, brings a low-impact variation of soccer to the Beseleplatz, where participants engage in matches that strictly prohibit running, tackling, and physical contact.
Establishing the sport at Beseleplatz
The program in Innsbruck emerged after Rieder, a longtime figure in amateur football, identified a need for a version of the sport that accommodates individuals with mobility restrictions or those who are no longer able to play traditional, high-intensity soccer. Rieder discovered the concept through the Walking Football Austrian Academy in Vienna and subsequently coordinated with the SK Wilten football club, the sports association ASKÖ, and the Pensionistenverband Tirol to secure facilities and equipment at the Beseleplatz.
Training sessions take place on Tuesday afternoons. While the current participant base, which ranges from eight to 10 regular players, has an average age of over 65, the group is open to individuals of all ages and genders. The collaborative effort provides the pitch and balls at no cost to the participants, a model Rieder utilized to overcome initial difficulties in recruiting players.
Rules and tactical requirements
The sport operates under a strict set of regulations intended to prevent injury and encourage tactical play over speed. Players are forbidden from running, and any form of physical contact, including barging or sliding tackles, is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, the ball must remain below hip height during play. These rules require players to focus on spatial awareness, coordination, and passing accuracy, as they cannot chase down loose balls.
Co-trainer Alfred Triendl noted that the environment is inclusive, stating that the oldest participant to join the group has been 88 years old. The coaching staff emphasizes that the intensity is adjusted to each individual’s capability, moving away from the strict competitive pressures of amateur football.
Social connection and the third half
Beyond the physical benefits, the program serves as a social hub intended to address isolation among seniors. Rieder highlights the importance of the “third half”—a social gathering in the SK Wilten canteen following the training session—as a core component of the initiative. These gatherings provide a space for community building, allowing friendships to form across age and gender lines. Participants report that the activity helps them regulate their physical exertion while maintaining the mental stimulation of a team sport.
Future growth and competitive goals
The initiative continues to seek new participants, with Rieder aiming to stabilize a roster of 15 to 20 consistent players by next spring. The ultimate objective for the group is to reach a level of organization that allows them to participate in tournaments. Despite the slow start, Rieder expressed satisfaction with the development of the team, which has grown largely through local media reports and word-of-mouth outreach.
Worth a look
