This collaboration protocol between the FPF and the CCEA, the entity responsible for the Healthy Active Ageing Action Plan (PAEAS), focuses on promoting 'walking football' and aims to contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

Following this understanding, this football variant for those over 50 will be integrated as one of the activities of the PAEAS, whose objective is to “maximise the longevity and quality of life of Portuguese citizens”.

The president of the FPF, Fernando Gomes, believes that “integrating ‘walking football’ into the Active and Healthy Ageing Action Plan represents an important step in the mission to encourage sports practice at all ages”.

“This football format, adapted for citizens over 50 years of age, not only promotes physical activity, but also social interaction, inclusion and emotional well-being, contributing significantly to improving the quality of life of our senior population”, he says.

Also according to Fernando Gomes, ‘walking football’ is a clear example of how sports practices can be adapted to include all citizens, regardless of their age or physical condition.

‘Walking football’ has been promoted and promoted in Portugal by the FPF, in close collaboration with district and regional football associations, and currently has almost 1,500 federated athletes.

The average age of players is 67 years old and there is a record of one athlete aged 93, at the Viseu Football Association. Furthermore, 45 percent of players in Portugal are women.

Walking football is a variant without running, jumping, tripping, sliding or tackling, which aims to encourage people over 50 to take part in the sport, promoting integration and socialising in favour of a more active life.