Vanisle Walking Soccer is staging its second B.C. Walking Soccer Tournament at Arbutus Meadows arena in Nanoose Bay on Oct. 23.
Organizer Rob Jonas they’re excited to be holding it again.
“It will be another good day for seniors to play walking soccer,” said Jonas, who first introduced the modified version of soccer to the Parksville Golden Oldies Sports Association in 2017.
The tournament will feature teams from Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Nanaimo and Victoria. Play will start a 9 a.m. with the round-robin to determine playoff positions. Then the elimination playoff round will be played.
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It’s free admission to watch the games but masks will be required to enter the arena as required by the provincial health officer.
Walking soccer was first established in England and has become a popular recreational activity for seniors and former players, who still love the game of soccer but are no longer able to fully engage in the sport.
“It’s the fastest-growing senior sports activity in the world,” said Jonas. “It’s a great non-contact sport. It’s a no running version of soccer with rule variations designed to ensure safe play. It’s great for light aerobic workout and ideal for co-ed play if desired.”
