A new, and possible ongoing program, sounds like a geriatric forerunner to the World Cup next year in Kansas City.

It’s an upcoming introductory class of walking soccer. Sponsored by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District, the free event is scheduled at 2 p.m. March 21 at the New Century Fieldhouse. According to organizers, it’s a fun, low impact, active version of soccer.

Walking soccer is designed to help participant’s wellness by improving balance, muscle strength, stamina and weight. Players can only walk as they pass and kick the ball around the pitch and try to get it into the other team’s goal. They must always have at least one foot in contact with the ground.

To tell the truth, I never had much interest in soccer. My rural elementary school often had kids play soccer on the football field as part of recess. We had no clue about soccer playing rules. We ran up and down the field like a herd of cats chasing a mouse and kicking the soccer ball as hard as we could in whatever direction.

A childhood friend since kindergarten often wanted to be the goalkeeper. He was the only student who had leg braces. Polio had weakened his leg muscles, so he walked stiff legged. It didn’t stop him from playing recess soccer with other students. We would make him the goalie halfway between the goal posts, soft kick the ball, allowing him time to move into position and prevent a score. He was quite happy with each and every stop.

The whole school liked seeing him play soccer. He never considered himself as having a disability. Walking helped to strengthen his leg muscles.

As an adult, he was a long-time banker until retiring a decade ago. Sadly, he died two years ago. His obit indicated he was once an assistant youth soccer coach.

It’s a fond memory about my rather brief childhood participation in soccer.

Now, a few decades later (a good grief reality!), this walking soccer intro class sounds very appealing. What I like about this sport’s opportunity for aging adults, like me, is the walking aspect.

Whether on a soccer field, sidewalk or treadmill, many studies point out how exercise, even as simple as walking, is important for the mind and body of aging adults.

Exercise improves strength, mobility, agility and flexibility. Exercising has been proven to help prevent dementia and keep the mind sharp, reduce depression, contribute to cardiovascular and muscular health, and maintain a healthy body weight.

Yet, studies also show that in populations age 75 and older, one in three men and one in two women engage in no physical activity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends two and a half hours of moderate exercise a week. That may seem like a lot, but as the saying goes: slow and steady wins the race. The tortoise did!

Walking is the easiest exercise to do. It can be hard to start a new routine, especially if you feel achy, tired or perhaps OLD (!). A little exercise, such as taking a walk on some of the 151 miles of trails in the Johnson County park system or participating in age-appropriate soccer, is better than none.

Maybe I’ll give walking soccer a try, practice bicycle kicks (a few weeks of traction to follow) and perhaps, just volunteer to be a goalkeeper (only soft kicks, please!). I will be quite happy with each and every stop.

Walk-ons are most welcomed on March 21! Register by calling 913-831-3359.

How about you?