Newmarket Resident's Team First To Win North American Walking Soccer Championship - Walking Football Hub

Robert Freeman tours town with the championship cup to promote the up-and-coming sport that is a modification of the traditional game

Newmarket resident Robert Freeman has won the first North American League championship in an unusual sport.

Mostly made up of older people, Freeman is part of a newer concept in the GTA: walking soccer. After winning in a summer season within the Toronto Walking Soccer Club, Freeman did a tour with the championship trophy around town, visiting the mayor and several of his favourite spots last week.

While Freeman said the name of the sport might evoke skepticism, the game is quite enjoyable.

“It’s challenging. It’s an awesome way of exercising really,” he said. “The group itself is terrific. There’s a whole bunch of terrific folks in there.”

Walking soccer is a modified version of the traditional game played at a slower pace, with a focus on low-impact movement, according to the club. Players are required to keep one foot on the ground at all times, meaning there is no running or jogging, with smaller teams on a smaller field. The game is designed to accommodate individuals who may have difficulty playing regular soccer due to age or limitations, and is played extensively in Europe.

The Toronto Walking Soccer Club created the first North American league for the sport with members from its club, with Freeman’s team coming out ahead over the summer.

Toronto Walking Soccer Club - The Loons, Toronto’s first walking soccer club

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Freeman said he got into the sport after visiting a demonstration event in Toronto. He soon fell in love with the game, enjoying the opportunity it offered and visiting every week to play.

“It’s terrific competition, the way the club is. It’s competitive,” he said, but added, “It’s friendly. We play hard. Play to win. But it’s respectful. The spirit of the club is community-based, respect for each other.”

After winning the league championship, Freeman said he thought it would be fun to do a day with the trophy around town, a tongue-in-cheek nod to Stanley Cup wins. He said it was also a way to promote the game.

“I’m very proud of the trophy, and I’m a proud Newmarket resident, and I wanted to share a little bit of the fun of the win,” he said. “I wanted to show the folks here a little bit of what we did.”

Newmarket Mayor John Taylor offered his congratulations after the win.

“Walking soccer is a rapidly growing low-impact adaptation of traditional football that focuses on passing, positioning, teamwork, and community engagement,” he said. “Congratulations to Rob and his team on the championship, and thanks for sharing your day with the cup with me!”

The sport is getting some local play. The Aurora Soccer Club ran the sport throughout these past two summers as well.

“It’s great fitness, low impact on joints, and a fun social activity,” the club said. “Whether you’re transitioning from our competitive leagues or just looking for a great weekly workout, this is for you!”

Freeman hopes the game can continue to grow locally. He said it is a wonderfully accessible sport, with the oldest player on the Toronto Soccer Club being 84.

“We expect that as time goes on, the sport will continue to evolve and grow in different regions,” he said. “I hope in York Region it will gain some traction and it’ll be able to grow.”

Source: https://www.newmarkettoday.ca/local-sports/newmarket-residents-team-first-to-win-north-american-walking-soccer-championship-12938266

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