For many older adults, staying energetic often means doing it alone. Walking, jogging or heading to the gym solo have long been go-to activities for keeping fit. While these are great for physical fitness, they will lack the spark of competition and teamwork that makes sports so enjoyable. Unlike youth sports, where camaraderie, friendly rivalry and shared goals create excitement, older adults often lose that unity.
This may change. The rise of walking soccer is offering older adults a brand new approach to stay energetic through competition, communication and fun.
In October 2025, the Walking Football World Nations Cup will take center stage in Spain, showcasing this fast-growing sport. More than 70 teams from greater than 30 countries will compete within the Men's (50s, 60s, 70s) and Women's (40s, 50s, 60s) categories, proving that age is not any barrier to international competition.
The inaugural FA Walking Football Cup in 2024 and an expanding network of local clubs across the UK and Europe are helping to cement walking football's place as a recognized and revered sporting form.
Walking football is a slower and lower impact version of traditional football, designed to make the sport safer and more accessible to people of all ages and skills. The rules are easy: no running, minimal physical contact and the ball must stay below head height. This encourages players to concentrate on skill, control and delight reasonably than speed or ability. It particularly appeals to older adults and other people with health conditions who need to be energetic in a structured, social and enjoyable way.
The advantages transcend physical fitness. Athletes often speak about how sports help them stay energetic, construct friendships and feel a part of a community. Research It has also been shown to support healthy aging, improving balance, coordination and social communication. However, some people have been reluctant to affix, apprehensive in regards to the risk of injury, especially in the event that they have a pre-existing health condition.
In response, recent resources akin to UEFA The Walking Football Toolkit and age Britain Program Further research on safety and participation has been encouraged. This growing body of Evidence Helping to reassure players and highlight walking football as an accessible, enjoyable and health-promoting approach to stay energetic later in life.
Risk of injury
2025 study examined injuries in the course of the 2024 FA Walking Football Cup, during which 84 teams compete in women's and mixed gender categories. During greater than 850 hours of play, only 42 injuries were recorded, and most (81%) were minor, allowing players to proceed without missing future games.
Injuries were equally divided between contact and non-contact causes, with the bulk related to tackles (45%). And 12% of all injuries come from running, which is technically against the principles.
Community Based Studies The same researchers covered greater than 6,300 hours of play and located similar results. Only a 3rd missed training or matches because of injuries. Importantly, each studies also checked out athletes with existing health conditions and located that only 7%-10% of injuries were related to underlying issues akin to joint pain, cardiovascular conditions, or chronic muscle problems. This suggests that running soccer is unlikely to worsen existing health concerns and will be considered a secure and low-impact way for older adults to enjoy team-based exercise.
Football can redefine what it means to be energetic later in life. It allows older adults to experience teamwork, friendly competition and community through a slower, safer version of the world's favorite sport. With its low risk of injury and involvement for those with pre-existing health conditions, it offers a welcome approach to stay energetic and connected.
The upcoming Walking Football World Nations Cup in Spain will have a good time just that, showing how people of all ages can enjoy sport, stay healthy and find friendship through sport.