‘Walking Football’ is one of the fastest-growing sporting activities for both men and women. Despite being a significantly slower version of football — making participation in the ‘beautiful game’ a viable option as professional or amateur players become older, it is also physically challenging, skilful and technical.
It all started with the Sky Sports' news coverage of a walking football session and a documentary that was aired based on this in 2017, leading several other clubs to take up this version of the game and from then on has gained immense popularity.
The sport does not permit players to run, as that would be a free kick to the other side. It also restricts slide tackles, and the ball can’t be kicked above head height. These and many more friendly rules mean walking football has struck a chord with both men and women, not just older footballers. Ex-footballers, ex-athletes, people recovering from injuries, and those looking for an outlet for stress and depression, are also reaping the benefits of the sport.
You may not be racing around, but there are still numerous health benefits from walking football — both physical and mental. It can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke while improving blood pressure, and playing regularly can slash the chances of suffering from type 2 diabetes.
In Qatar, walking football is gradually becoming more desired, especially among expat communities.
“Walking football is a great concept which makes people believe in themselves. This is what is needed now — post-pandemic, for people to stay fit. We must understand that we have a huge expat population in Qatar, and they’re showing a lot of interest. Several communities have approached us to form Walking Football teams,” said International Walking Football Federation (IWFF) Asia and Qatar President Farhan Al Sheikh Al Sayed.
He added, “Another great part is we are getting great support from the respective embassies. So this creates great harmony between the embassy and the communities.”
The mental benefits of the sport cannot be overemphasised – from building confidence to helping participants meet new people and avoid feeling isolated.
Specifically, it can boost personal reward and satisfaction while also reducing stress.
“I think football would be a great way to improve the wellbeing of former footballers, especially their mental health. So I would like to promote this as a mental wellbeing concept, helping with many issues and problems, so many retired professional footballers go through,” Al Sayed added.
Speaking on growing the sport in Qatar, Al Sayed said the country could be the capital of Walking Football in the region and the world.
With the World Cup as a catalyst, Al Sayed hopes to use the momentum to unite the world under an umbrella. He stressed that Qatar being among a handful of countries to have a dedicated National Sports Day shows how important sports is for Qatar.
According to him, creating a tourism niche for the sport and hosting its headquarters and a major world championship would further add to Qatar’s status as a global sports hub.
“I think Qatar is well placed and in a perfect position to host the headquarters for the governing body for world Walking Football. We recently had an international match between Qatar and Indonesia’s national walking football team here in Doha. Wales have already asked to play Qatar during their visit for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.”
There are more than 10 walking football community teams, including Ghana, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, South Africa and others. These community teams boost social gatherings, encourage lasting relationships with like-minded people and generally improve social circles and overall quality of life. Plans are also afoot to start a walking football league from next year, which will include between 10 to 20 teams, Al Sayed said.
