Andorran Football Federation Launches Walking Football for Over-60s
The FAF introduces low-impact walking football next week to boost physical activity and social ties among seniors, with free sessions starting March.
Key Points
- Sessions start 24 March, Tuesdays/Thursdays until June at Prat del Roure; free with medical certificate required.
- No running, no contact, ball below knee height to minimize injury risks.
- Supervised by senior fitness experts with physio support and insurance.
- UEFA-backed initiative to promote health and socialization; expansion eyed based on uptake.
The Andorran Football Federation (FAF) will launch walking football in the country next week, introducing a low-impact version of the sport designed for people over 60 to promote physical activity and social interaction.
Sessions begin on 24 March at Prat del Roure in Escaldes-Engordany and will run twice weekly—on Tuesdays and Thursdays—through the end of June. The free programme has already attracted a dozen participants for its debut. Players must provide a sports medical certificate and will receive supervision from specialists in senior fitness, including physiotherapy support and insurance coverage to ensure safety.
The format bans running and physical contact, with the ball restricted to knee height or below, creating a slower-paced game that minimises injury risks. Marina Martín, the FAF's head of social and environmental sustainability, said the initiative aims to encourage older residents to stay active and connect with others.
"This is an adapted modality for seniors, with low physical effort and no contact," Martín explained. "What we want with this project is for older people to get out, exercise, and socialise."
The FAF chose the central location at Prat del Roure, in coordination with the local council, to make it accessible from all parishes, despite offers from other parish authorities. Promotion has targeted parish community centres to build interest through word-of-mouth.
The non-competitive, recreational activity forms part of UEFA-backed social programmes, which have already organised walking football tournaments in categories such as over-50s, 60s, and 70s. Martín indicated the FAF is monitoring initial uptake before considering expansion, including potential future events with national associations from Belgium, France, or Gibraltar.
For now, the focus remains on establishing a sustainable option that blends sport, health, and community engagement in Andorra.
Original Sources
This article was aggregated from the following Catalan-language sources: