Veterans & Walking Football

Adapted football for older players focusing on enjoyment, injury prevention, and social connection

Veterans and walking football caters to older players (typically 35+) who want to continue playing whilst managing physical limitations. Walking football has specific rules limiting physical contact and requiring walking pace, making the game accessible for those with reduced mobility or recovering from injury. Coaching emphasises enjoyment, social connection, injury prevention, and adapted tactics that suit the pace and physicality of older players. The focus is keeping people active and engaged with football for life.

Development Priorities

1Injury prevention and safe participation
2Enjoyment and social connection
3Adapted tactics for reduced pace
4Maintaining fitness and mobility
5Technical quality over physical attributes
6Inclusion and accessible football
7Lifelong engagement with the game

Session Structure

✓Thorough warm-ups focusing on mobility
✓Low-impact technical exercises
✓Tactical work emphasising positioning
✓Small-sided games with adapted rules
✓Cool-down and stretching essential
✓Social time post-session encouraged

Common Mistakes

!Allowing play to become too competitive or physical
!Neglecting proper warm-up and cool-down
!Expecting the same intensity as younger players
!Failing to adapt rules to player capabilities
!Ignoring injury history or physical limitations
!Forgetting that fun and social connection are primary

Suggested Drills

✓Passing and moving at controlled pace
✓Positional possession games
✓Technical ball work focusing on quality
✓Tactical scenarios emphasising intelligence
✓Low-impact fitness through football
✓Adapted small-sided games with rest periods

Ask FootballGPT

“What are the rules of walking football?”

“How do I prevent injuries in older players?”

“What tactics work for veterans football?”

“How do I keep older players engaged and motivated?”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is walking football?

Walking football is an adapted version of the game where running is not allowed, physical contact is minimal, and the ball must stay below head height. It allows older players or those with reduced mobility to enjoy football safely and socially.

How do I prevent injuries in older players?

Emphasise thorough warm-ups, encourage individual fitness and flexibility work, monitor intensity during sessions, enforce rules that limit physical contact, and create a culture where players respect their own limitations and communicate injuries immediately.

What tactics work best for veterans and walking football?

Tactical intelligence over physical attributes. Emphasise positioning, movement off the ball, passing accuracy, and game management. Players often have excellent football brains, so use tactical sophistication that does not require pace or power.

How competitive should veterans football be?

It depends on the group. Some veterans are highly competitive, others prioritise social connection. Establish clear expectations about the level of competition, enforce fair play, and ensure everyone feels included regardless of ability.

Why is walking football important?

It keeps people physically active, socially connected, and engaged with football for life. Many participants are former players who thought their playing days were over, or people new to football seeking accessible entry. It has significant physical and mental health benefits.

Related Age Groups

⚽Adult Football 🤝Mixed Ability Groups

Expert Advisors

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Grassroots Guru

Youth football U5-U12

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General Coach

All-round coaching

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