As footballers we are getting elderly not elite meaning that we are members of a 60,000 plus community of 50 -92 years olds (yes 92) in England who play and enjoy a more slowed down version of the beautiful game than the Premier League’s youngsters.
Recent surveys have revealed that for many walking footballers the sport is the most significant social interaction of the week. Not only good for physical well being but also our mental health.
The walking game frowns on running (the clue is in the name) or play above head height. The game is said to have been invented in 2011 but here is evidence that it goes back much further than this, in fact there is a mention of walking football being played in 1911 between an Officers and Sergeants mess in the British Army. I always disputed the 2011 start date as I have witnessed many players in the running game moving slowly around the pitch for decades prior to this.
Currently, walking football is played in 53 countries, including more than 1000 locations in England.
The first international was England over-65’s 3-1 defeat of Italy in 2018. That team included Tommy Charlton, whose brothers Sir Bobby and the late Jackie, also did much for Britain’s football folklore.
A World Cup is on the horizon post covid and the game will continue to grow and grow as more men and woman realise that getting older and a little slower doesn’t mean hanging up the boots, in fact seeing men in their 60’s and 70’s chatting excitedly about their new boot purchase or a middle agedgoalkeeper buying glove glue, yes really, puts a smile on my face.
Here in Brightlingsea we have been playing walking football since 2018, where, under the umbrella of Brightlingsea Regent Football we have seen participation grow and facilities improve.
As coach I have had the privilege of working with a very special group of men and woman who play the game in right spirit and have progressed and developed as players over the past few years.
We play in a local league during the summer months which although competitive has a fantastic social side to it and real sense of walking football camaraderie across all the teams that participate.
Training is very much tailored to the age group and although challenging both physically and mentally players limits are always respected and above all the emphasis is on fun.
The team is of mixed gender and we welcome anyone over the age of 40 for ladies and 50 for men to come along and give walking football a try.
It does not matter if you have never kicked a ball in your life (many of us play like that anyway) or are a seasoned baller all will be made to feel very welcome. If you fancy giving it a goget in touch via the contact details on the website and we will let you know the next (very slow) steps to take.
Yours In Sport
Gavin
