{"id":34959,"date":"2025-09-30T21:59:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-30T20:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ispah.tecology-hosting.co\/?p=34959"},"modified":"2025-09-30T07:03:34","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T06:03:34","slug":"walksoccer-building-community-and-health-through-play","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ispah.tecology-hosting.co\/es_es\/walksoccer-building-community-and-health-through-play\/","title":{"rendered":"WalkSoccer: Building Community and Health Through Play\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>A slower-paced game helping adults 60+ stay active and socially connected.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\" id=\"what-is-it-about-0\">\u00bfDe qu\u00e9 se trata?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wfnsw.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">WalkSoccer<\/a> is a slower, low-impact version of the world\u2019s favorite sport with two key rules: no running and no contact. It keeps the fun, tactics and teamwork of traditional soccer but makes the game safe and accessible for older adults of all fitness levels.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.swslhd.health.nsw.gov.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">South Western Sydney Local Health District<\/a>\u2019s Health Promotion Service has built partnerships with <a href=\"https:\/\/wfnsw.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Walking Football NSW<\/a>, local councils (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au\/Home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Campbelltown<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au\/Home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fairfield<\/a> y <a href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Liverpool<\/a>) and other organizations &#8211; including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.collectiveleisure.com.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Collective Leisure<\/a>, a social enterprise aiming to reduce health inequity through innovative programs that promote physical activity and well-being, tailored to underserved communities. Together we have established community WalkSoccer hubs specifically for adults aged 65 and over, while also welcoming those 60+ who are living with a chronic condition.Traditionally, WalkSoccer is played by women aged 40+ and men aged 50+, but our model deliberately extends the opportunity to older adults to meet the needs of healthy ageing and to reduce social isolation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9d452449ec8&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a9d452449ec8\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"809\" height=\"605\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/ispah.tecology-hosting.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Picture-2.jpg\" alt=\"Foto 2\" class=\"wp-image-34962\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: Kimberley Rainer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each hub runs weekly sessions during school terms, beginning with a community \u201cCome and Try\u201d day. Sessions always finish with a shared fruit morning tea, creating a friendly space to meet others, swap stories and find out about other healthy ageing programs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9d45244a1a2&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a9d45244a1a2\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"818\" height=\"614\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/ispah.tecology-hosting.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Picture-3.jpg\" alt=\"Imagen 3\" class=\"wp-image-34963\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: Kimberley Rainer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\" id=\"why-is-it-important-1\">\u00bfPor qu\u00e9 es importante?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Loneliness and social isolation are now recognized as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news\/item\/30-06-2025-social-connection-linked-to-improved-heath-and-reduced-risk-of-early-death\">serious health risks<\/a>. Many older adults, especially men, find it hard to join group-based activities post-retirement (<a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC5848757\/pdf\/S0144686X16001331a.pdf\">Nurmi et al, 2016<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">WalkSoccer directly addresses these barriers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Connection first:<\/strong> Player\u2019s talk, laugh and build friendships on and off the pitch. For many, the morning tea is as important as the match.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gentle physical activity<\/strong>: The slower pace makes it suitable for people with arthritis, diabetes or heart conditions while still improving balance, circulation and fitness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Familiar, fun and inclusive<\/strong>: Soccer is instantly recognizable; adapting it for walking invites people who may not see themselves as \u201csporty\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Feedback from a male participant who joined after encouragement from his wife: <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>It\u2019s a social outing as well as a fitness outlet. It has got me off the lounge. It\u2019s nice to meet new people. It has encouraged me to do more exercise\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While the evaluation was modest, feedback from participants who attended for a month, or more was overwhelmingly positive. Over 90% reported feeling more socially connected or making new friends, and nearly two-thirds said they were participating more in group activities. Men &#8211; often underrepresented in healthy ageing programs &#8211; make up almost two-thirds of regular players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This combination of movement and meaningful connection shows how a simple idea can reduce loneliness and strengthen community health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\" id=\"take-home-messages-2\">Mensajes para llevar a casa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>South Western Sydney Local Health District\u2019s Health Promotion Service partnered with Walking Football NSW to deliver this adaptive sport, engaging older men &#8211; while also welcoming women &#8211; to be socially active, connected, and healthy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Three community hubs for 65 years and over have been created across South-West Sydney, each fostering local ownership and sustainability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Builds friendships, combats loneliness, and gives participants a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthens community links through partnerships with councils, sporting clubs, and local organisations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a9d45244a990&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a9d45244a990\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"947\" height=\"711\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/ispah.tecology-hosting.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Picture-4.jpg\" alt=\"Foto 4\" class=\"wp-image-34964\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: Kimberley Rainer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Autores: <\/strong>Kimberley Rainer,<sup>1<\/sup> Sarah Ryan,<sup>1,2<\/sup> &amp; John Hanley<sup>3<\/sup> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><sup>1 <\/sup>South Western Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health, Australia<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><sup>2<\/sup> Faculty of Social Sciences, Wollongong University, Australia<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><sup>3<\/sup> Walking Football NSW, NSW, Australia<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A slower-paced game helping adults 60+ stay active and socially connected.&nbsp; What is it about? WalkSoccer is a slower, low-impact version of the world\u2019s favorite sport with two key rules: no running and no contact. It keeps the fun, tactics and teamwork of traditional soccer but makes the game safe and accessible for older adults [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1154,"featured_media":34965,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jf_schedule_form":"","_jf_limit_responses":"","country-income-classification":"","slim_seo":{"title":"WalkSoccer: Building Community and Health Through Play\u00a0 - ISPAH","description":"A slower-paced game helping adults 60+ stay active and socially connected. &nbsp; What is it about? WalkSoccer is a slower, low-impact version of the world\u2019s fa"},"_slim_seo_primary_term_category":0,"_slim_seo_primary_term_post_tag":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[82,23,103,101],"tags":[422,269,119,421,420],"class_list":["post-34959","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-8-investments","category-blog","category-community-wide-programmes","category-sport-recreation","tag-loneliness","tag-older-adults","tag-physical-activity-2","tag-social-connection","tag-walksoccer"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ispah.tecology-hosting.co\/es_es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34959","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ispah.tecology-hosting.co\/es_es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ispah.tecology-hosting.co\/es_es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ispah.tecology-hosting.co\/es_es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1154"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ispah.tecology-hosting.co\/es_es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34959"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/ispah.tecology-hosting.co\/es_es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34959\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34969,"href":"https:\/\/ispah.tecology-hosting.co\/es_es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34959\/revisions\/34969"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ispah.tecology-hosting.co\/es_es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34965"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ispah.tecology-hosting.co\/es_es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34959"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ispah.tecology-hosting.co\/es_es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34959"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ispah.tecology-hosting.co\/es_es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34959"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}