Canada’s Walking Soccer Scene Kicks Off Historic Women’s Tournament
Toronto, ON – July 23, 2025 – The quiet rise of walking soccer hit a historic milestone today as North America’s first international women’s walking soccer tournament launched at the Pickering Soccer Centre in Ontario. Organized by Toronto Walking Soccer Club founder Kerrin Hands, the event brings together players from Canada and the British Isles in a sport growing in popularity and purpose.
A Game Gaining Global Momentum
Born in England in 2011, walking soccer was designed to allow older or mobility-limited athletes to enjoy the world’s most popular sport at a slower pace. Today, there are more than 200,000 players in England alone and 20 clubs across Canada — stretching from Vancouver Island to Halifax. Countries like Spain, Thailand, and Rwanda have also embraced the game, with Spain hosting the upcoming World Nations Cup in October.
Building Community and Inclusivity
The tournament features four women’s teams, including the Toronto Loons and the Celtic Nations Women’s Walking Football Team. According to Hands, the event represents “the largest gathering of women to play in a walking soccer event on the continent.” For many participants, it’s more than a sport — it’s a new way to connect, stay active, and learn something fresh later in life.
A New Style of Play, Without the Sprint
Unlike traditional soccer, walking soccer bans running, slide tackles, headers, and allows only frontal challenges. The ball must stay below head height, and players are limited to three consecutive touches. These adaptations not only minimize injuries but also emphasize teamwork and strategy. “It’s almost like chess,” says Hands. “You need to pass well, position well, and play smart.”
Players Embrace the Change
Elisabeth Peters, 64, who joined the sport with her husband Alejandro, found the inclusive format welcoming. “You can join even if you’ve never played soccer before,” she said. “It’s easy to pick up, and everyone is part of the action.” The game’s safety rules make it accessible for seniors and those wary of high-impact sports.
A Sport for All Generations
Hands sees walking soccer as a gateway for lifelong engagement with sport. “As people age, they stop playing traditional soccer due to injury concerns,” he explained. “This version allows them to stay involved without risking their health.” Rule variations exist globally — some leagues don’t have goalkeepers, while others enforce stricter regulations — but the core mission remains: making soccer accessible for all.
Looking Ahead
With UEFA working on official rule guidelines and international events growing, Canada’s inaugural women’s walking soccer tournament marks a pivotal step in legitimizing and expanding the sport. As Hands and players like Peters prove, walking soccer might just be the “biggest sport no one’s heard of”—but that’s quickly changing on Canadian turf.
MapleWire will continue coverage of this emerging sport as it evolves across Canada and the world.
