The Walking Football Association Ltd.

The Walking Football Association Ltd. is a football club based in London, dedicated to promoting and organising walking football in England. Walking football is a unique small-sided ball game created by John Croot in 2011, and it offers a new way to play the beloved game of football.

Similar to traditional association football, walking football allows players to utilise their skills and memories from the game they love. However, there is one key difference there is no running involved. Walking football is played at walking pace, with players not allowed to run, including with the ball or off the ball. The rules state that one foot must always be in contact with the ground.

Additionally, it is a non-contact sport, although tackling is permitted without physical contact.

The Walking Football Association Ltd. provides resources for anyone interested in taking up the sport and for clubs or teams seeking more information. Their website offers a comprehensive guide to playing walking football, which can be downloaded with the help of their partner, Pure Retirement.

Walking football is particularly attractive to people in later life as it provides a safer and more manageable way to continue playing the sport. The games are typically played on small pitches with small goals, usually 6-a-side. It can be played indoors, on artificial grass pitches, or on natural grass. By reducing the pace and contact in the game, the risk of pain, discomfort, and injury is greatly reduced, allowing individuals who have loved the sport their entire lives to safely continue playing.

Moreover, walking football introduces the sport to individuals who may not have previously considered playing.

In addition to the enjoyment of playing the game, walking football offers several health benefits. Studies have shown that it can effectively treat mild to moderate hypertension and can contribute to improved fat oxidation and aerobic power. Furthermore, engaging in regular walking football can have significant mental health benefits.

The Walking Football Association Ltd. welcomes players of all ages, but it was initially conceived as a sport for individuals over 50 in men and over 40 in women. However, the club now has players ranging from their 70s to their 80s participating in the game.

For anyone interested in getting involved in walking football, the Walking Football Association Ltd. provides information on finding a club nearby. With their resources and support, individuals can easily start playing this new and exciting version of the game they love.