If you thought your footballing days had long gone, this is good news for you. 

And it's good news for you if you've never played football before.

Back in 2011, the game of Walking Football was devised by John Croot of Chesterfield FC, with the aim of helping people over the age of 50 to keep playing football… albeit a little slower (and therefore safer!).

However, it is possible that the slower version had been played before, just 25 miles down the road in Derby:

Whenever or wherever it started, as the name implies, it’s played at a walking pace. You’re not allowed to run, jog or sprint, on or off the ball – although some players are fast walkers. 

When pulled up by the ref, some will argue, "I wasn't running!" to which, quite often, an appropriate response would be, "Well it certainly wasn't walking!"

Another notable difference between WF and regular football is that there should be no contact. So when it comes to tackling, a little more skill and consideration is required and it's an absolute no-no from the side and behind. 

The game is, at least in the competitive games, played on a small pitch and is usually 6-a-side. And like regular 6 or 5-a-side games there are keepers' areas, small goals, all free kicks are indirect and the ball is played below 2 meters.

The venues can be indoors or outdoors, on grass, G3, or other 'all weather' surface and you’ll need to be wearing the required footwear. Shin-pads are mandatory for competitive games and highly recommended for all other sessions. 

The intention is to reduce the possibility of pain and injury and, if we all keep this in mind, it helps us all to play the game safely… and for years longer.

Importantly, it also helps make football more accessible to many who have never considered playing before.

Staying Fit and Healthy

Walking football is an excellent way of staying fit and healthy. 

The minimum physical contact version of the beautiful game for men (over 50) and women (over 40, or over 35 in some recreational sessions) is also suitable for people who may have had mobility, fitness or health problems which prevents them from playing a faster paced game. 

There are plenty of players out there who, following major surgical procedures, are back playing football on a regular basis.

Walking Football can be effective in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension and produce high aerobic activity with marked improvements in fat oxidation and aerobic power. There are also considerable mental health benefits. 

There are now thousands of competitive teams and recreational sessions all over the UK with players featuring in Over 50s, 60s and 70s tournaments and leagues. Women’s Over 40s involvement is proving very popular and growing rapidly too.

Whether you’re looking to get fit, stay fit, keep active or be more socially active, Walking Football offers a great opportunity to do just that.

Joining In

Here are some of the recreational sessions available for Calne and the surrounding areas. It's the same list and information that that's on The Club page.

These recreational sessions are mixed unless otherwise stated; open to players of any ability, women over 40 (35+ at some venues) and men over 50.

Before turning up to a session for the first time, it's advisable to contact the organiser or venue to make sure that the session is still taking place. 

Notes

• Appropriate footwear is required at all sessions and does differ depending on venue and surface

• Most of the outdoor surfaces are artificial 3G, some are MUGA

• Only the Wednesday session at Calne is run by CTWFC

• Other sessions, not on this list, may be available

Wiltshire FA’s information on walking football in Wiltshire can be seen here.