On 25 June, senior players from across the continent will convene at UEFA HQ in Nyon, Switzerland, for the inaugural 2026 UEFA Walking Football EURO Cup and a celebration of lifelong participation, health, inclusion and community.

As walking football continues to grow across Europe, the tournament will stand as a symbol of our commitment to ensuring that the game is accessible to everyone.

Designed to remove barriers associated with age, injury or mobility, walking football offers a safe, social and enjoyable way for older adults to stay active, connected and involved in the game they love. The upcoming tournament also provides a platform to showcase the work being done by national associations across Europe and to inspire even more organisations and players to take part.

UEFA’s commitment: football at every age

Our support for walking football is rooted in a broader vision: increasing participation and promoting health and well-being through accessible football formats. By recognising walking football as a key pillar of grassroots and senior football development, we are helping national associations respond to demographic change, healthier ageing agendas and the growing demand for inclusive sport.

The 2026 UEFA Walking Football EURO Cup offers eight national associations – Croatia, Czechia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Scotland and Spain – an opportunity to present their programmes on the European stage, exchange best practice and reinforce walking football as a sustainable, recognisable format within the football ecosystem.

To support this growth, we developed the UEFA Walking Football Toolkit, a practical resource designed to help associations, leagues and clubs launch and expand walking football programmes, whether recreational or competitive.

The toolkit provides guidance on rules, safety, organisation, coach education and promotion, offering a strong foundation for countries at every stage of development – from pilot projects to national competitions. Across Europe, positive impact is already being felt, as the examples below demonstrate.

On 25 June, senior players from across the continent will convene at UEFA HQ in Nyon, Switzerland, for the inaugural 2026 UEFA Walking Football EURO Cup and a celebration of lifelong participation, health, inclusion and community.
As walking football continues to grow across Europe, the tournament will stand as a symbol of our commitment to ensuring that the game is accessible to everyone. — Pic credit: UEFA.com

Azerbaijan: Football as social care and connection

In Azerbaijan, walking football has been developed through a social partnership between the national association and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. Delivered in a nursing home setting, the programme focuses on improving both physical activity and social well-being among elderly participants.

Coached sessions take place twice a week, with clear monitoring of attendance, activity levels and participant satisfaction. Beyond physical health, the programme emphasises connection, routine and joy. Plans are already in place to expand to additional locations and to introduce friendly matches and social events, showing how walking football can play a meaningful role within wider social-care frameworks.

Israel: National model for sustainable growth

Israel’s walking football programme, launched in 2021, stands as one of Europe’s most structured and rapidly growing examples. With over 500 active players, 25 teams and activity in 20 cities, the programme addresses a clear demand among older adults, with an average participant age of 62.

Player safety and quality are central, with adapted rules, goalkeepers, small-sided pitches and licensed coaches leading weekly sessions. Crucially, walking football is embedded within the Israeli FA’s broader ecosystem, including national competitions, dedicated coach education pathways and partnerships that position football as a public health and well-being tool. The result is a scalable, sustainable model that offers valuable lessons for associations of all sizes.

Latvia: Building momentum through festivals

Latvia represents an emerging walking football nation, where early momentum is being built through festivals and grassroots enthusiasm. The country organised its first walking football festival last year, bringing together teams from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia – a landmark moment for the Baltic region.

The programme continues to grow, with new festivals planned near Riga and later in the historic city of Cēsis. Grassroots development is central to this progress, including regular training sessions for women aged 60+, many of whom are playing football for the first time. Latvia’s experience highlights how walking football can act as a welcoming entry point into the game, even for those with no previous sporting background…

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