FC Emmen’s OldStars team doesn’t just play football, they play walking football. And that’s just a little different than usual. “We are all used to running, but this is absolutely not allowed, it is really forbidden to run. Everything really has to be done on foot,” says Dick van Kessel of the FC Emmen OldStars.
Walking football was created to keep older people moving. It also has a social function. “And we are very fanatical with the third half,” says Van Kessel beaming, while pointing to the supporters home of the club.
Emmen’s walking football stars are quite adept at the game. Next week they will travel to Mallorca to participate in an international tournament. Thursday afternoon was their last training before boarding the plane. “We became champions last year and they asked if we wanted to defend the title.” Teams from various European countries participate in the tournament.
Even earlier in Europe than the first of Emmen, who have just become champions. And the 70-plus men are secretly quite content with that. “Even though we are a bit older, we are quite proud that we are doing this. That we are going into Europe following Emmen, and that FC Emmen is following us into Europe,” concludes Van Kessel.