Walking Football Tournament Attracts Major German Clubs

A recent walking football tournament in Germany drew important attention, featuring prominent clubs like Schalke 04 and Bayer 04 Leverkusen. This event underscores the increasing popularity and inclusivity of walking football, a sport designed to allow people of all ages and abilities to participate in a team sport. The tournament, held in June 2024, saw a notable increase in participating teams compared to the previous year, reflecting the sport’s expanding reach.

Tournament Details and Participating Teams

the walking football matches involved six players per team, competing on a field measuring 21 by 42 meters. The goals were three meters wide and one meter high. A key rule of walking football is that running is prohibited; only fast walking is permitted.The ball is generally played low,with a height restriction of one meter,and physical contact is not allowed.

Did You Know? Walking football originated in England in 2011 as a way to keep older adults active and engaged in sports.

This year’s tournament featured 20 teams, a significant increase from the eight teams that participated in 2023. Besides Schalke 04 and Bayer 04 Leverkusen, othre notable participants included Hamburger SV and Arminia Bielefeld. Borussia Dortmund had to withdraw at the last minute due to injuries, but an all-star team composed of players from various teams stepped in to fill their spot.

Tournament Structure and Cup Competitions

each match lasted 12 minutes and was played across four fields. The tournament began with a preliminary round consisting of five groups, each with four teams. The top two teams from each group advanced to the Sparkassen Cup, while the third and fourth-place teams continued to compete in the VGH-Vogt-Cup.

Pro Tip: Walking football is not just for older adults; it’s also a great way for people recovering from injuries to stay active.

The increasing participation of well-known clubs highlights the growing recognition of walking football as a legitimate and inclusive sport.As the sport continues to gain traction, it offers new opportunities for individuals to engage in physical activity and team camaraderie, regardless of age or physical limitations. According to the Football Association,walking football has seen a 30% increase in participation in the last year,indicating a strong upward trend in its popularity.
The Football Association

What are your thoughts on the increasing popularity of walking football? Do you think more professional clubs should invest in walking football programs?