Lauren Petrie

Walking football was first created to give older men a physical and social release. However, individuals of all ages are increasingly becoming interested in walking football.  In addition to being one of the sports for men and women that is growing the fastest, walking football is also a shockingly fast-paced, physically demanding, skilful and technical game.  

This highly regulated version of football, created and tailored for individuals unable to play traditional football offers numerous real health advantages to players of all ages. There is now a significant amount of evidence that proves that walking football can help with several things such as improving social life and building strength in bones.  

John Sutton Community Club is a Scottish Charitable Organisation where they train and socialise every Friday from 11am-12pm at The Firhill Complex in Maryhill. John Sutton, organiser for John Sutton Community Club, has revealed how he got into walking football because he was looking for a “new challenge” after playing football and doing personal training in the past.  

John went on to say that “[we] are very fortunate with the people who have come along” and what started as an idea has grown “arms and legs.” When asked how about the importance of community, he said “community is the biggest thing for us”, and “we [want] people to meet and talk”, which he says is “fantastic.”  

People are getting into walking football due to the “social environment” which is causing a growth in the sport, according to walking football player Javie Dally.  One benefit of this sport, praised by Javie, is “coming together and doing things together” as a community, as well as health benefits of “getting out in the fresh air” and “doing exercise”.  

It is true that maintaining an active lifestyle as we age is essential to our overall physical and mental well-being. Walking football is becoming more popular, so it is time for the public to accept it as a legitimate sport and become more understanding of the variety of people who can benefit from it.  

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