Walking football is a modified form of soccer that is designed to be age-appropriate and health-promoting, especially for people over 55. However, the sport can also be considered inclusive and then offers beginners and all footballers with physical-motor impairments or long-term injuries the opportunity to become part of the soccer family (again), regardless of their age. Walking football has been played in the UK since 2011 and has almost 1,000 teams there.

Walking football is also becoming increasingly popular in Germany thanks to the involvement of Bundesliga clubs such as Bayer 04 Leverkusen, VfL Wolfsburg, Werder Bremen and Schalke 04.

Rules

The most important regulations on walking soccer at a glance:

  • Walking instead of running/racing

  • Hard physical contact is prohibited, including straddling & tackling

  • A minimum age of 55 years applies to players

  • Mixed teams are encouraged and permitted

  • Playing field size: 42m x 21m

  • The size of the goals is: 1m high x 3m wide

  • The game is played without a goalkeeper

  • The goal area forms a circular space with a radius of 3m and must be clearly marked.

  • The goal area may not be entered

  • It is played 6 against 6 (can be adapted if necessary)

  • The offside rule is waived

  • The ball may not be played over a height of 1m, regardless of whether it is a pass, cross or shot. Headers are also prohibited and a free kick is awarded to the opposing team in the event of an infringement.

  • The playing time is 4x15 minutes (can be adjusted if necessary)

Walking Football in the BFV

The Berlin Football Association recognizes the diverse possibilities of walking football and would like to contribute to its successful spread. As a first step, the soccer variant was introduced during an interlude match between the VfL Wolfsburg walking football team and the Hertha BSC Ü60 team during the defendo cup finals for the senior and old leagues on May 30, 2019.

Since the 2020/2021 season, Berlin soccer clubs have also had the opportunity to try their hand at action days and walking football tournaments. Exercise leaders can also get to know the soccer variant in the form of further training and short courses. Participants then receive the necessary know-how to set up and run their own program in their clubs(service for interested clubs).

In the medium term, the introduction of match operations for walking football is an option, but has not yet been decided.