KAS Eupen is Launching a “Walking Football” Team
KAS Eupen is launching a “walking football” team with Christoph Henkel as the coach. With this new inclusive initiative, AS Eupen is reaching out for the first time to anyone over the age of 55 who is interested.
Christoph Henkel, the managing director, will also be serving as the coach. The first walking football training session will take place on Wednesday, October 25th, at 10:00 AM on the synthetic grass field at the Kehrweg Stadium. Under the motto “Stay active, enjoy sports together,” walking football has become a popular sport in many countries and is offered by numerous first division clubs.
Walking football is the perfect opportunity to play football tailored to one’s age, in a slower yet equally captivating form. The main rule of walking football is that players cannot run; they can only walk. Ball reception, vision, accurate passing to an unmarked teammate, and shooting technique are therefore essential.
The initial training sessions at AS Eupen are offered as introductory classes, which are open to all women and men aged 55 and above, free of charge and with no commitment. Participants should wear sports attire and non-cleated sports shoes. Individuals with disabilities are also welcome to join. Christoph Henkel, primarily known as the club’s managing director, will lead the initial training sessions as the coach. In the near future, KAS Eupen is looking for additional coaches and assistants for the walking football training sessions.
Interested individuals are encouraged to register now, either by phone at 087/56 13 77 or via email at social@as-eupen.be.
WALKING FOOTBALL LEAGUE
The EFDN Walking Football League project is a continuation of the previous European Legends Walking Football programme. The Walking Football League is formed by 10 European clubs which develop their local Walking Football competitions with common rules approved by all 10 clubs. Twice a year, these 10 clubs are invited to join in the International Walking Football League tournament.
The partners of this EU funded project, coordinated by EFDN, are Vålerenga, Ferencváros, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Rangers, Benfica, Real Betis, Schalke 04, Greenock Morton, Newcastle United, and Eintracht Frankfurt.
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE WALKING FOOTBALL LEAGUE PROJECT
- Enhance the number of physically active people within the target group.
- Enhance the number of social contacts of local participants.
- Create a sustainable partnership between the different stakeholders in the European Walking Football landscape to agree on common rules of the game and a create a sustainable strategy to develop this new sport across Europe.
- Promote and disseminate this adapted and improved football / sport methodology to a wide range of stakeholders in countries all around Europe.
- Promotion of the European guidelines on health-enhancing physical activities (HEPA).
The Erasmus-Plus funded Walking Football League Programme kicked off in January 2022.
