Fitness GAME On Walking football is an adapted version of the beautiful game that is accessible to most people. We find out what it is, who can play and what’s involved Words: Louise Parfitt We’re a nation of football lovers, pledging allegiance to teams and braving all weathers to watch matches. We’ve played at school, in the park, and for local leagues. But even the keenest tend to hang up their boots by middle age, so many of the game’s benefits – physical, mental and emotional – are lost as we get older. And for those with arthritis, football can seem simply out of our league. It doesn’t have to be, however. Walking football was created in 2011 to bring all the benefits of the beautiful game to those unable to continue playing because of age or injury. It is also for those new to football, but looking for a fun and social way to keep fit as they get older. It started out being mainly played by men, but many clubs now run women’s teams, and some are exclusively for women. Walking football has particular benefits for those with arthritis because – as the name suggests – it is played at a walking pace (players are not allowed to run or jog with or off the ball), so it is a low-impact form of exercise. “Walking football is an excellent way to stay involved in the sport, particularly for people who would find it difficult to play the traditional game because of age, injury or disability,” says Alan Crooks, the Irish FA representative who helped set up the Northern Ireland Walking Football Federation (NIWFF). Tackling is permitted, but unlike association or five-a-side football, no contact is allowed and balls cannot be kicked above head height. Pitches are smaller than for association football, with five to six players per side. Although for many people it is a social form of exercise, it is also played competitively. The slower pace and lack of contact mean the threat of pain, injury and discomfort are greatly reduced. Positive effects of regular exercise – keeping joints mobile and supple, improving circulation, reducing blood pressure, weight loss, helping with postural balance and improving bone density – are retained, however. One BMJ study found that, over a 12-week period, players’ body fat mass ‘reduced significantly’. On the ball Walking football not only brings physical health benefits; many players also report a higher sense of satisfaction, increased self-esteem and reduced levels of stress. Because it is a team sport, the camaraderie and opportunity to make new friends gives people a sense of belonging. “The social side of it is just fantastic,” says Mark Smith, secretary of NIWFF. “As well as enjoying playing the game and working up a sweat, people come to have a yarn, because it is such a friendly atmosphere.” The club Mark plays for has a WhatsApp group, which has proved invaluable during the coronavirus pandemic as a way for members to keep in touch. “People look out for each other,” he says. “There is a real sense of community.” Participants just enjoy it and, therefore, do not lose the motivation to keep going. “The additional benefits of involvement are very important to players,” says Alan. “The social interaction, the structure of being a member of a club, the joy of playing, and the friendly competitive edge have a real positive impact on mental health. People say they sleep better, too.” Find out more Check out the national walking football governing body in your area for more information and to find a club near you, or go to walkingfootball.com England: thewfa.co.uk Ireland: irishfa.com/irish-fa-foundation/community-volunteering/walking-football Scotland: walkingfootballscotland.org Wales: wfla.uk “Walking football is an excellent way to stay involved in the sport, particularly for people who would find it difficult to play the traditional game because of age, injury or disability” READ MORE READ MORE iStock-LightFieldStudios Fitness Walking football is an adapted version of the beautiful game that is accessible to most people. We find out what it is, who can play and what’s involved Words: Louise Parfitt We’re a nation of football lovers, pledging allegiance to teams and braving all weathers to watch matches. We’ve played at school, in the park, and for local leagues. But even the keenest tend to hang up their boots by middle age, so many of the game’s benefits – physical, mental and emotional – are lost as we get older. And for those with arthritis, football can seem simply out of our league. It doesn’t have to be, however. Walking football was created in 2011 to bring all the benefits of the beautiful game to those unable to continue playing because of age or injury. It is also for those new to football, but looking for a fun and social way to keep fit as they get older. It started out being mainly played by men, but many clubs now run women’s teams, and some are exclusively for women. Walking football has particular benefits for those with arthritis because – as the name suggests – it is played at a walking pace (players are not allowed to run or jog with or off the ball), so it is a low-impact form of exercise. “Walking football is an excellent way to stay involved in the sport, particularly for people who would find it difficult to play the traditional game because of age, injury or disability,” says Alan Crooks, the Irish FA representative who helped set up the Northern Ireland Walking Football Federation (NIWFF). Tackling is permitted, but unlike association or five-a-side football, no contact is allowed and balls cannot be kicked above head height. Pitches are smaller than for association football, with five to six players per side. Although for many people it is a social form of exercise, it is also played competitively. The slower pace and lack of contact mean the threat of pain, injury and discomfort are greatly reduced. Positive effects of regular exercise – keeping joints mobile and supple, improving circulation, reducing blood pressure, weight loss, helping with postural balance and improving bone density – are retained, however. One BMJ study found that, over a 12-week period, players’ body fat mass ‘reduced significantly’. On the ball Walking football not only brings physical health benefits; many players also report a higher sense of satisfaction, increased self-esteem and reduced levels of stress. Because it is a team sport, the camaraderie and opportunity to make new friends gives people a sense of belonging. “The social side of it is just fantastic,” says Mark Smith, secretary of NIWFF. “As well as enjoying playing the game and working up a sweat, people come to have a yarn, because it is such a friendly atmosphere.” The club Mark plays for has a WhatsApp group, which has proved invaluable during the coronavirus pandemic as a way for members to keep in touch. “People look out for each other,” he says. “There is a real sense of community.” Participants just enjoy it and, therefore, do not lose the motivation to keep going. “The additional benefits of involvement are very important to players,” says Alan. “The social interaction, the structure of being a member of a club, the joy of playing, and the friendly competitive edge have a real positive impact on mental health. People say they sleep better, too.” Find out more Check out the national walking football governing body in your area for more information and to find a club near you, or go to walkingfootball.com England: thewfa.co.uk Ireland: irishfa.com/irish-fa-foundation/community-volunteering/walking-football Scotland: walkingfootballscotland.org Wales: wfla.uk “Walking football is an excellent way to stay involved in the sport, particularly for people who would find it difficult to play the traditional game because of age, injury or disability” READ MORE READ MORE iStock-LightFieldStudios GAME On TOnic fOR ThE MinD AnD bODy Ivor Kirkpatrick (pictured bottom left) is the chairman of the NIWFF. He has been playing walking football for three years, and finds it really helps his arthritis. “My arthritis can be very sore – my fingers and toe joints in particular, but also my hips,” he says. “Walking football gets the blood flow going and eases my joint pain. Playing the game also really helps the mind. The company of the other players is fantastic, and I just enjoy being out there on the pitch.” ADApTinG TO cOviD-19 As with a lot of sports, Covid-19 has greatly reduced opportunities to play walking football. At the time of writing, some clubs have resumed outside practice in small bubbles, with strict social- distancing guidance in place. The WFA has released guidance to help ensure a safe return. To find out more, go to bit.ly/ InspireW20WF