Walking football, a slower-paced version of the popular sport designed for mature players, has made its debut in the Bay of Plenty.

It's free to join and walks – not runs – at 6pm every Friday at Moreland Fox Park.

Ken Carrick, the man behind bringing the sport to the region, realises that for senior people the world of team sport can seem overwhelming.

This is why Ken has brought a growing variation of the sport to the region. 'It's designed for people who are of a more mature age, who don't have the lung capacity or the legs to get around a normal football field,” says Ken.

Although Ken says the sport is suitable for those aged 50-plus, it is open to everyone. 'It's really for anyone who is recovering from injury or wants to come along. It's open to men and women.

'It's five-a-side, a small game, and has minimum risk for injury with no tackling.”

Ken's hope is to get more people involved in the sport and provide a social atmosphere for those who are looking for alternative ways to exercise.

'We want all the people in the community to enjoy football. This version is great for people who may be feeling a bit isolated, or for those who don't particularly like jogging or going to the gym.”

Ken says that the sport provides many benefits for those who give it a go. 'It's exercise without busting your lungs, it's social, and it helps with coordination and balance.

Ken says one man, who is recovering from a back injury, is enjoying the sport as a way of keeping active while recovering. 'There's no-contact, you don't want to get knocked over and break a hip.”

Ken is keen to get more people involved in walking football. He suggests there's a 'misconception that it's a bit of a walk in the park, and you definitely still get a sweat on”.

'So come have a game, a cup of coffee and a biscuit afterwards, meet some new people or catch up with some old friends.”

'If it's not for you, you don't have to come back – but if you like it, bring along a friend!”

For more information or to join walking football, visit https://bluerovers.co.nz/walking-football-tauranga