PROGRAM MANAGER: Mark Baldisimo mbaldisimo@coastalfc.ca
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
Are you looking to get out, be active and make new friends?! Come join us on the pitch for a low-impact version of the ‘beautiful game’! Walking soccer is ideal for those individuals for those who are unable to play the game in its traditional format and for those who are looking to try something new and fun. This program is offered to men and women over the age of 50. The game is a non-competitive, self-refereed version of soccer, where participants walk instead of run and play with smaller-sized nets. Contact and shots above the knee aren’t allowed.
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LEVEL OF PLAY: It does not matter what level you are. The goal of our games is a fun environment where you can play with friends. We want everyone to enjoy a no-pressure setting and the benefits of getting out and being active!
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EQUIPMENT: Please come with proper indoor cleats and shin pads. All game equipment will be provided by Coastal FC.
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REGISTRATION: Players will be required to register and pay the registration fee before the start of the season.
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RULES: Click HERE for all the Coastal FC Walking Soccer Rules & Regulations.
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SESSION FORMAT : Each walking soccer session will be held indoors at the BMO Coastal Soccer Centre & consist of the following:
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10 minute Warm Up
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40 minutes of game play (20 min halves with 5 min break between)
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5 minute Cool Down
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All sessions will be led by a Coastal FC coaching staff member. Teams will be built on arrival, based on ability.
FALL WALKING
SOCCER
FALL DATES & TIME
Thursdays at 12:00pm, beginning September 12, 2024 - November 28, 2024 (12 weeks)
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FALL REGISTRATIONS FEES
$72.00 + GST per player for 12 weeks
WINTER WALKING
SOCCER
SPRING DATES & TIME
Thursdays at 12:00 pm, beginning January 9, 2025 to February 27. 2025
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WINTER REGISTRATIONS FEES
$50.00 + GST per player for 8 weeks
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Location
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The BMO Coastal Soccer Centre is located in South Surrey Athletic Park, next to Softball City
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2295 148th Street, Surrey.
Health Benefits of Walking Soccer
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Described as “life changing” for many who play, walking soccer offers a multitude of health benefits to older people such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Positive changes in balance, blood pressure and resting heart rate, lowered cholesterol, improved blood sugar levels, bone density and improving reactions, whilst slashing the odds of suffering from type 2 diabetes – all indicators of general good health.
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As we get older, many struggle with balance, strength, stamina, weight and worst of all confidence and self-esteem levels; but walking soccer has the potential to make a significant impact in all these areas, building body strength, improving muscles, core stability and hopefully losing some of the weight usually gained during the ageing process. As well as being able to increase fitness levels, emotional health gets a great boost too for a person involved in walking soccer. There are many psychological and mental health advantages to playing walking football – namely high levels of personal reward and satisfaction with reduced levels of stress and exertion while playing, despite working physically hard.
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Geared toward the older demographic, walking soccer, along with other regular low impact physical activities; have been proven to have a positive affect in reducing the affects of the cognitive and physical decline associated with diseases such as Parkinson’s, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. The simple practice of regular walking is associated with a reduced decline in cognitive performance in elderly people. Walking also improves the postural and motor functions of Alzheimer’s patients.
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Both casual sessions and competitive tournaments are not only a great way to help improve the health and fitness of older adults, but team sports also help to offset social isolation and forge friendship bonds and camaraderie. Walking soccer gives this often isolated section of the community the chance to become involved in something they really enjoy, make new friends, form lasting relationships with like-minded people and generally improve their social circle and overall quality of life, often making them feel less isolated and more a part of the wider community.
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Walking soccer will:
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Improves fitness & overall health
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Reduces stress
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Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease & strokes
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Improves blood pressure & blood sugar levels
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Improves balance & strength
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Improves reaction times
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Provides an opportunity to socialize through participation in sport
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Along with all of these great health benefits, walking soccer is social and FUN!