‘Walking soccer’: This new modified soccer league in Victoria is catered towards accessibility

We’re all familiar with traditional soccer, but have you heard of “walking soccer”?

According to Peter Denby, a league organizer on the island, it’s essentially a modified version of soccer that’s designed to be more accessible—especially for older adults or those with limited mobility!

Players are required to keep at least one foot on the ground at all times, as running is not allowed. This places an emphasis on strategy, positioning and passing. 

Additionally, goalkeepers are more protected, as players are not allowed in the goaltenders marked area. No contact between other players is allowed either.

Despite the slower speed, it remains just as competitive and social as traditional soccer, promoting teamwork without the high-impact demands of the original game.

When asked how the sport began to gain traction on the island, Denby mentioned it was Rob Jonas that introduced it to Parksville. 

Jonas knew Denby was involved with seniors soccer in Victoria and decided to contact him about starting it up in Victoria too. 

“I was a bit skeptical about it at first, so I did some research and saw what was happening in Europe,” Denby told Victoria Buzz.

“At the age of 82, my involvement in the running game was coming to an end, so I readily agreed.”

In their first year, the Gorge Soccer Association gave them the use of a field in Hampton Park for free, which enabled them to get it going without relying on fees from players. 

After the success of the inaugural year, Denby said they wanted to become affiliated with the Gorge, which is why their team is called the Gorge Striders. 

Because of the growth and increased use of the field, there is now an annual fee of $192.50, as well as a drop-in fee of $5.

If players join part-way through, the annual fee is prorated. Additionally, if a player drops out part-way through the season, a prorated refund is provided.

“We now have 53 players who pay an annual fee, and several more who pay [drop-in]. The number is growing,” said Denby.

Those who pay for the annual fee have full access to all of their weekly scrimmages.

Everything is done through their website, which takes off some of the organizational task weight off of Denby, he shared. 

The Gorge Soccer Association website will redirect everyone to the South Vancouver Island Classics’ Soccer Association (SVICSA), where people can read more and register.

Denby underlined the importance of providing activities like these for seniors, and talked about an instance in particular where it really made a difference. 

“A couple of guys have Parkinson’s disease, and one of their daughters is really pleased because it got her father out of the house and socializing and playing. There’s that part of it too.”

He added that on top of it being a highly strategic game, it’s a powerful mental health tool as well. By providing a source of movement, socialization and fresh air, it could be exactly what some of the seniors in Victoria are looking for.

Their 2025/2026 season will run from September to the end of March, and the league has two co-ed teams: a lower and higher division. The player’s skill level will determine which division they play in. 

Eventually they hope to have teams for all-ages, but for now, the minimum age is 50-years-old for women and 55-years-old for men.

If this sounds like it might be a fit for you, check out South Vancouver Island Classics’ Soccer Association and see about joining a league, as they’re accepting new registrants!