Walking is a good and popular way to stay active, but what if you can add some kick to it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You might just have a ball. Just like the 50-plussers who come out to play walking football in the hall of Sarepta Sport and Recreation Centre on Friday evenings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Former soccer players Clive Petersen and Joseph Daniels brought the game to Sarepta in June last year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the sport is still a fairly new concept locally there was a World Cup event held last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Petersen explained it is basically like five-a-side football, but \u201cno running, no contact and no high balls\u201d are allowed. \u201cAt the posts, you only kick with your inner foot because of safety,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Petersen, who has played soccer from age 9, was a sceptic when he was introduced to walking football at age 60. \u201cI thought it was for old people. Seven years later I\u2019m still enjoying it.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said it\u2019s all about staying active. There is no membership fee to join in the fun. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLast year a few guys gave R100, but I don\u2019t want people to stay away if they don\u2019t have money. It is not about money, but about staying active, and healthy \u2013 and then there is the social part.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Though many of the players are former soccer players, no-one needs to feel intimidated, Petersen said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t want someone to feel left out if they don\u2019t have the same level of skills. We don\u2019t cut you out, we will pass the ball \u2013 if you miss, the game goes on \u2013 the spirit is fantastic.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Around 15 to 20 people, mostly from Kuils River but also further afield, come out to play in the hall on Fridays from 18:00 to 20:00.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among the regular players are two men, aged 75 and 78 years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Women are welcome to join a mixed team as the no-contact rule works in favour of all. The purpose is to have fun and socialise while the exercise will improve blood flow and strengthen those muscles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Everyone is invited to join the local walking football community. As the adage goes: \u201cA stranger is only a friend you haven\u2019t met.\u201d Petersen said it beats sitting at home doing nothing, waiting for old age to creep up on one. \u201cI tell people I may be getting older but I\u2019m not getting old.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
John Fourie (66) said he looks forward to Friday nights. \u201cThe guys are fun and uplift me with their positive attitude.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Robert Clark (69) said walking football brings out the child in him who used to play in the street. \u201cFriday evening is a permanent appointment in my diary. I love the fun, exercise, sweat and great friendships.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Contact Petersen on 060 525 8494 for more information. (An alternative venue will be used on Friday 8 March as the City of Cape Town will use the hall.) <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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