We decided to go and watch a walking football match on a Thursday evening in Lanzarote to understand what it’s all about.
Walking football is a rapidly growing adaptation of the game, designed for those who still love football but may find the pace and physicality of the traditional version challenging. This slower-paced variant offers a fantastic way to stay active, socialize, and enjoy the sport with reduced risk of injury.
The group playing here in Lanzarote has a minimum age of 50 for men and 40 for ladies. The player range in age from early 50’s to mid 70’s. They play every Thursday evening and you can get in touch with them vie their website: Walking Football Lanzarote.
Key Rules of Walking Football
While walking football follows many of the standard football rules, here are some key adaptations:
- No Running: The defining rule is that players must have one foot on the ground at all times. Running or jogging results in a free kick for the opposing team.
- Minimal Contact: Tackling and aggressive physical contact are not allowed, ensuring a safer playing environment.
- Height Restriction: The ball must stay below head height. A free kick is awarded if this rule is broken.
- Smaller Pitches and Teams: Matches are typically played on smaller pitches with teams ranging from 5-a-side to 7-a-side.
- No Offside: Offside rules don’t apply, encouraging more flowing play.
Beyond the Rules
Walking football is about more than just the rules. It’s a fantastic social activity that fosters a sense of community and inclusion. The sport is welcoming to people of all abilities, making it a great way to rekindle that footballing spark regardless of fitness levels.
Here’s the video we shot while we were there:
If you’re looking for a fun way to stay active and enjoy the camaraderie of football, walking football might be the perfect fit for you!
