When looking to play a game there are many variations you can use depending on numbers, facility type and player abilities. The one rule which is uniform regardless of whether you are playing for fun or for trophies is around defining WALKING. For this we suggest the following: 

Walking is defined as ‘always having at least part of one foot in contact with the ground’ and should start with the heel making contact with the ground first allowing for a ‘flat foot’ motion.

There are some points for consideration when starting a walking football session:

• Teams of 5, 6 or 7 a side (6-a-side for WFS competitions)

• Teams can be mixed gender

• No jogging/running with or without the ball

• 3rd ‘not walking’ offence is a penalty to the opposing team

• All Walking Football is non-contact so no tackling, barging, shoulder to shoulder, backing in and avoid 50:50’s challenges

• Keep the game inclusive and play 3-touch football

• Ball height restriction rule: play to CROSSBAR height

• No heading

• Players not allowed in Goalkeeper Area

• Kick-ins not Throw-ins

• No scoring direct from kick off, corner kicks, kick ins or from own half

• Goalkeeper can roll the ball out underarm or kick the ball out by placing the ball on the ground (nothing sidearm or overhead)

• Respect your teammates and opponents

• And ENJOY!