What is Walking Football?

The biggest difference, as the name suggests, is there is no running. Walking football is played at walking pace, with players not allowed to run. This includes with the ball or off the ball, and jogging.

You can ‘walk’ as fast as you want and walking as described in the rules is “one foot must be in contact with the ground at all times.” One other big difference to association football is that it’s classed as non-contact sport. Although tackling is allowed, this must be done with no contact.

Who can take part?

Walking Football is aimed at Over 50s but is open to any aged people keen to get involved. If you are under 50 but are unable to play full contact sport due to injury or health, then Walking Football is a great option for you! It is inclusive of all levels of football experience and ability, if we can get a good number of people taking part, we will be able to provide different grades of walking football including beginners and advanced to accommodate different types of players with males and females mixed in teams.

What do I need to bring?

Players can wear football boots or running shoes, you will need to bring a water bottle and comfortable clothing for outdoor exercise. It is recommended you bring a jacket or sun block depending on the weather conditions forecast on the day.

Walking Football Rules - The Basics

Walking Football is a non-contact version of the game. Tackling from behind or alongside opponents is penalised with a free kick.

General Rules

No running or jogging, with or without the ball.

No headers.

No off-side.

Substitutions can be made when there is a break in play, the ball is dead, or the goalkeeper has possession of the ball.

Height of Ball Restriction

The ball must not be kicked by any outfield player or thrown by the goalkeeper above 2m. Free kicks are awarded to the opposing team if the ball travels above 2m. Deflected balls that go above 2m are played on.

The referee is the sole judge on the height of ball restriction.

Free Kicks, Penalties and Kick-Ins

All free kicks are indirect - players cannot shoot directly at the goal.

Goals cannot be scored direct from kick-offs, kick-ins, drop balls, goalkeeper’s kick or throw.

Goals can be scored direct from corner kicks.

Free kicks just outside the penalty area must be moved back 3m to allow defenders to position themselves between the ball and the goal.

The player taking a penalty kick must start their approach with both feet on the ground no more than 2m metres from the ball.

Opposing players must stand at least 3m away from the ball when a corner, free kick or kick-in is taken.

Goalkeepers

Goalkeepers can receive back passes. They may either kick or throw the ball back into play. Goalkeeper throws must be under arm.

The goalkeeper has 6 seconds to play the ball.

Goalkeepers are not allowed outside the penalty area (except by momentum).

If the goalkeeper leaves the penalty area deliberately or denies a clear goal scoring opportunity – a penalty is awarded to the attacking team.

Goalkeepers cannot receive a back pass from a player they have just passed to (the attacking team is awarded a free kick).

Infringements

A penalty kick is awarded to the opposition on the fourth accumulated running offence committed by a team. This team count is then reset to zero and the running offences will accumulate again. 

Players are not allowed in the penalty area (except by momentum). If a defender enters the penalty area deliberately a penalty is awarded to the attacking team.

Players can be sinned-binned (two minutes) for dissent or repeated running or minor offences.

Players can be sent off for serious offences and can take no further part in the match and cannot be substituted.

Be patient and wait for opportunities to intercept. Avoid physical contact with other players.

ENJOY THE SOCIAL ASPECT OF THE CLUB AND THE GAME!
​​​​​​​PLACE IT – DON’T LACE IT!