Canadian sports fans who are used to the fast pace of a hockey game might view soccer as a slow sport.
You call that slow? You ain’t seen nothin’ yet.
Meet “Walking Soccer.” The sport was developed for seniors but it is gaining popularity as a community sport that can be enjoyed for life.
The game is typically played indoors in a large gym or fieldhouse. It is almost identical to regular indoor soccer, except the players aren’t allowed to break into a run—one foot must always be in contact with the ground.
The game isn’t offered in our area yet, but the Lloydminster and District Soccer Association (LDSA) has hour-long games every Tuesday. LDSA’s Dana Johnston says slowing the game to a walking pace is a great equalizer.
“It’s pretty much open to anyone 15 and over,” she said. “We have people in their 20s, we have people in their 80s so the range is pretty big. And anybody can play in there on a fairly even level because they can all only walk.”
Above all, it’s fun. Many of the participants are playing soccer for the first time, but there are regular players too. Errant passes and missed shots are instantly and easily forgiven—at the game we attended there was a lot of laughing and no sports-ego temper tantrums.
“Everybody cheers for each other, and that’s kind of a nice thing. It’s not as competitive as some other sports you might play,” Johnston said.
“People like the social aspect of it and the fitness part of it too. Some come with friends, some make new friends here,” she said. “It’s pretty low-key. It’s rec, so it’s fun.
“Everyone can play. That’s what it’s all about.”
