Walking Soccer Gains Momentum Among Older Americans

Walking soccer is finding favor among older Americans, with teams and leagues emerging across the United States and Canada, reports Considerable . According to promoters, walking soccer can improve balance, strength, and stamina in able-bodied seniors. A player might log four to five miles — 10,000 steps — in a single game. Walking soccer matches are an hour long compared to 90 minutes for traditional soccer matches, and the ball can go no higher than six feet and the offsides rule that keeps players from hovering in front of the opposing goal is inapplicable. "It's more of a social event, if you like," said Terry Youll, founder of the U.K.'s South Shields Saints walking soccer team. "It's one of those events where it doesn't really matter if you win or lose ... although, of course, you like to win."