The knees say no, the head says yes
You played Sunday league, veterans or five-a-side with mates. Your left foot hasn't forgotten a thing. Here, it does the work, not your hamstrings.
Walking football in Walloon BrabantFootball,at walking pace.
Same pitch, same ball, same urge to score. The only difference: nobody runs. Walking football has arrived near Ophain, and there's a place waiting for you.
Who it's for
Hung up your boots? Dust them off.
Walking football keeps everything we love about the game: teamwork, a good touch, a goal worth celebrating. It takes out the sprints, the tackles and the knocks. The result: everyone can play, for years to come.
Never kicked a ball for a club
No football background needed. The pace is gentle, the rules are quick to learn and the group will make you welcome from your very first session.
Getting back into it after a break
Injury, surgery, a few years away from sport: walking lets you ease back in, at your own pace. If in doubt, check with your doctor first.
The rules of the game
Walk. Pass. Score.
The details can vary from one tournament to the next, but the spirit is the same everywhere: we play football, at a walk, without getting hurt.
No running
One foot stays on the ground at all times. You can walk briskly, but no jogging. That goes for the keeper too.
OTHERWISE: indirect free kick
No contact
No tackles, no barging, no shoulder-to-shoulder. You win the ball back through positioning and anticipation.
OTHERWISE: indirect free kick
No heading
Heading is not allowed. The ball is played with the feet, and only the feet.
OTHERWISE: indirect free kick
Keep it low
No long balls in the air. The game is played on the ground, with short passes: that's where technique makes the difference.
OTHERWISE: indirect free kick
The box belongs to the keeper
Outfield players stay out of the penalty area. It belongs to the goalkeeper, who doesn't leave it.
OTHERWISE: penalty or free kick
Small teams
We play on a smaller pitch, five or six a side, with rolling subs. Everyone gets on the ball.
AND: unlimited substitutions
0Sprints
0Tackles
0Headers
1Foot always on the ground
Why we do it
You work up a sweat.You have a laugh.You come back.
An hour of walking football means exercise for the body, a game for the mind and a group waiting for you every week.
-
Your heart works, without the jolts
An hour of active walking, with plenty of changes of direction and pace. You come off out of breath, not worn out.
-
Balance and joints
With no running or contact, your knees, ankles and back get an easier ride. Your balance and coordination, on the other hand, get a workout with every pass.
-
Real football, real technique
First touch, passing, positioning, reading the game. Since nobody can run, it's brains and feet that win matches.
-
A group of mates
Every generation, every background, the same love of the game. And after the session, we take the time to have a drink together.
Where we play
Near Ophain,
Walloon Brabant
An artificial pitch in the west of Walloon Brabant, between Braine-l'Alleud, Nivelles and Waterloo. You'll get the exact address with your confirmation.
- Surface
- Artificial turf, playable all year round
- Sessions
- One session a week, with the day and time sent to you when you sign up
- Kit
- Trainers or astro boots, sportswear and a water bottle
Players come from all over the west of Walloon Brabant:
OphainBois-Seigneur-IsaacLilloisBraine-l'AlleudWaterlooNivellesBraine-le-ChâteauWauthier-BraineIttre
Frequently asked questions
What people ask us most.
What is walking football?
Walking football is a version of football where nobody runs: one foot always stays on the ground. There's no contact and no heading, the ball stays low and you play five or six a side on a small pitch. It started in England in the early 2010s and is now growing all over Belgium.
Where can I play walking football in Walloon Brabant?
Near Ophain, on an artificial pitch close to Braine-l'Alleud, Waterloo, Nivelles, Lillois, Ittre and Braine-le-Château. You'll get the exact address and session times when you sign up.
I've never played football. Can I still come?
Yes. The pace is gentle, the rules take ten minutes to learn and the more experienced players adapt their game. You'll come to try it out and stay for the group.
Is walking football just for older people?
Walking football is often described as football for the over-50s, but here it's open to all adults. Take a look at the group photo: every generation is there.
What if I'm coming back from an injury?
It's actually a good way to get back into sport, because there's no running and no contact. If you have any doubts about your health, check with your doctor before your first session.
What do I need to bring?
Trainers or astro boots (no screw-in studs), sportswear and something to drink. Balls and bibs are provided.
How much does it cost?
The trial session comes with no commitment. You'll be told the membership fee for the season when you sign up.
Does football at a walk really work?
Come and see for yourself. Matches are far more competitive than you'd think: since you can't chase the ball down, every bad pass costs you, and every good one gets noticed.
Signing up, step by step
Come andgive it a go.We'll save you a place.
- Fill in the formOne minute, no commitment.
- We get back to youWith the day, the time and the address of the pitch.
- Turn up in your trainersBalls and bibs are provided. All that's left is to play.