March 22nd - May 10th, 2023 / 5:30pm - 6:30pm / Franklin Park, Pairie Village, KS
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First established in England and becoming a widely recognized sport played across the globe, walking soccer allows older men and women to take part in the game they have either played, coached or watched while reducing the risk factors.
For the most part, walking soccer does not deviate too much from the original game, but the rules have been tweaked to protect the health of older participants while maintaining the opportunity for full enjoyment.
Walking Soccer is currently played in 53 countries. There are over a 1000 active clubs in the UK and more than 60,000 registered players in England alone. It’s a game you must play with a smile on your face and armed with a ton of “banter”.
Contact George Quinly
GSI WSL Director
800.950.1110 ext 7765 - toll free
913.660.7765 - phone
913.451.2141 - fax
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The threat of injury is reduced due to the combination of a slower pace and reduced contact. This allows people who have loved the sport all their lives to once again safely get back to playing. It also introduces the sport to people who have never played.
“I feel alive again. It has been totally life-changing experience.”
Walking Soccer player from the UK
Walking Soccer is an excellent way of staying fit and healthy (a player can log their 10,000 steps in one game). Studies have shown it can be effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke while improving blood pressure numbers. The resting heart rate and cholesterol levels of participants have also shown improvements along with bone density, stamina, and balance.
Regardless of age, working out in a fun group setting not only helps improve fitness levels but also helps to eliminate the chore factor of maintaining fitness
There are also many psychological and mental health advantages, including high levels of personal satisfaction and reduced levels of stress.
TIME magazine reports that loneliness in the US is on the rise. More than a third of adults over the age of 45 reported isolation according to research from the AARP foundation. Seniors have said that they felt a lack of companionship and often feel isolated. Walking soccer can provide seniors with the chance to become involved in something they really enjoy, make new friends, and generally improve their social circle and overall quality of life.
“Walking football has brought people together, but it’s the people themselves that have created such valuable friendships. When someone doesn’t show up for a game, we have everyone asking about them and if they’re okay. They’ve even got their own WhatsApp group and go on holidays with one another!”
Rod Noble, Community Sports Manager in the UK
Our program is open to men and women who are over 50 years old. Our goal will be to have specific divisions based on age, gender and experience level.
