- The Toronto Walking Soccer Club has grown into North America’s largest, offering a low-impact, no-contact version of soccer designed for women over 40 and men over 50.
- The sport emphasizes accessibility and social connection, serving as a vital antidote to isolation and a tool for physical health, with some members reporting life-changing weight loss and mental health improvements.
- Games are played on smaller pitches with strict ‘walking’ rules—requiring one foot to remain on the ground at all times—to ensure safety and inclusivity for players of all fitness levels.
- Despite its rapid growth to over 200 members, the club faces significant challenges securing field time from the city, which currently prioritizes youth programs over senior-focused community initiatives.
- The ‘Toronto Loons’ are now looking toward international competition, with members training for age-group representative teams while advocating for better access to municipal sports infrastructure.
Read the full story here: https://www.thestar.com/sports/amateur/walking-soccer-offers-a-slo-mo-replay-of-the-beautiful-game-for-an-older-crowd/article_503e2677-f983-498d-9227-03613535ef38.html
