Walking Soccer Brings World Cup Spirit to Lawrence Seniors
A new walking soccer league has taken root in Lawrence, Kansas, inviting residents aged 50 and older to lace up their sneakers for a weekly game that blends gentle exercise with a dash of friendly competition.
The program is a joint effort between Lawrence Parks and Recreation and the Lawrence Public Library, a collaboration that grew out of the city’s desire to harness the excitement surrounding the FIFA Men’s World Cup and channel it into a senior‑friendly activity.
Games are held at the Sports Pavilion at Rock Chalk Park, where participants split into advanced and beginner teams, play for an hour with a halftime break after 30 minutes, and follow modified rules that keep the pace comfortable for older bodies.
Organizers emphasize that the social dimension is as vital as the physical one; many players report logging thousands of steps without even realizing they are working out, while newcomers quickly find a welcoming community.
Gayle Sigurdson, the city’s supervisor of lifelong recreation, notes that the idea emerged from a simple desire to translate World Cup enthusiasm into a format that older adults can enjoy, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
Chris Lascelles, a British expatriate and lifelong soccer player, serves as referee, coach and team captain, bringing his passion for the sport and a touch of European tradition to the field.
Shelly Bock, who attended her first session last week, brings decades of soccer experience to the sidelines, having refereed over 3,400 games since she first kicked a ball in 1968.