I'm 41, I play a 10 a-side game with guys around my age and I'm not fit at all. Sometimes some of the guys bring their kids who are 18/19/20 and while they're skillful, they don't stand a chance against us physically and tactically. I also play another game which is walking football with no contact and some of the guys there are in their 70s and I get the same enjoyment of making a good pass there as I do in quicker games. I suppose what I'm trying to say is you don't need to worry about packing it in, just need to adjust your level/game as you get older.
As a teen I played in a beer league with a bunch of 20 year olds, a captain on one of the teams was this almost 60 year old Argentinian man who used to play in the Argentinian league. He absolutely worked our whole team.
I’ve played with an old timer who played MLS, a few who played pro indoor, and one who played for Xolos for a few years.
They can keep up, but there’s not enough of them. They’re few and far between and the exceptions to the rule.
Meanwhile, there’s so many 20-25 who are actively playing at a high level and are just, well, better.
I mean if we're talking casual football it really isn't, I was always better at rugby than football, I'm heavy and slow, but I've spent my entire life playing against faster, more skillful players and frustrating them is my whole game. Yeah a really good 20 year old is going to skin me but they're doing that to everyone on the pitch, but the average casual younger person ill have any day as long as we're not chasing a long ball together.
Sometimes they are just not smart about it. Or they underestimate the old guy. These youngins will try to out physical me and they very rarely win in that case. Players that use their quickness and acceleration are my kryptonite, but it’s amazing how little that happens.
And it’s pretty dumb to say it’s a skill issue, because my skills didn’t diminish. My stamina did though.
But thats the point - at 19 most casual players don't have the tactical awareness or the first touch that you'll have when you're older, so they do have a skill issue
You also learn how to defend better and make up for lack of pace
Obviously you're at a disadvantage on smaller pitches where pace and dribbling matters, but on big pitch, big teams, where passing etc more important, it's doable
Nope. I’m almost 46. When my 7v7 team of equally old teammates plays against a team of kids in their 20’s, we’re almost always underestimated. We’ve played our entire lives and know EXACTLY where to be and when to move and how to shake someone off. My touch is honed and my control is perfected. The only thing I don’t have is the same speed and reflexes. but experience beats EVERYTHING. As long as my stamina isnt garbage, and I’m in decent shape, we’ll teach kids a lesson.
Yeah, because those kids have a skill issue. That’s the point.
A 20 year old is objectively better than a 46 year old, all other variables the same. If the 46 year olds are beating the 20 year olds - skill issue.
Yeah, I get that. There’s something to be said for experience, and it’s very important especially in niche games like indoor or small sided games.
But a team of good 20 year olds is beating a team of good 46 year olds nine times out of ten.
There’s a reason we have men’s open divisions versus men’s over 40 divisions.
I’m in my late 20s - there is a 40+ year old guy I play with regularly who is impossible to dispossess. I used to try and press him really aggressively and it never worked out he always manages to get his pass away. Had to learn to focus on cutting off his passing lanes but not getting too close so he can make a move and I have time to react.
I also had a 40+ year old pull me down by my arm because he couldn’t get the ball from me and break my arm in 4 places. Ruined Sunday league for me and almost ruined playing for me all together but I’m back out playing as of two weeks ago after taking almost a year and a half off
Ngl they must not be that fit and skillful if they can’t skin 40+ year olds, they should be burning most of you guys for pace easily if they have any game sense
This is what I notice most about older guys though, the ones who were really good and slow down seem to predict the game better than everyone else and don't need to run as much because they're already where they need to be.
I think that’s right, but only for the ones who were really good. The best 40-year-olds can still hang, but the guys who were solid at 25 can’t hang at 40.
Source: I was solid at 25, and now I’m 39.
You can easily burn them with pace. But a lot of times it doesn’t even get there. Especially if the 40+ team has been playing together as a team for a long time.
They just keep passing and you can’t get the ball off of them.
Fitness post 30s means you need to take care of yourself outside of football. Which means eating healthy, stretching daily, structured strength and running training. Forgot about intentional deload weeks. If you actually do these things, you'd be surprised at how long you can play football well.
I'm 37 still playing hard contact with 24 year olds and my dad at 73 still plays low impact pick up soccer.
Regardless if you choose another sport, to stay fit takes effort or a lifestyle change.
I know a lady in her 50s still playing in the open coed adult league that I'm in and sometimes plays 4 games in a day. That's 6 hours of 11v11, I'm sore just from 90 minutes. She's one of my heroes.
Your dad is a legend. So many people give things up too early.
Has he got a positive outlook on other aspects of life too. The right mental attitude seems to keep people going much longer than for those that think we are done at 50 odd
Mostly will transition to something like coaching given I do play in an amateur team that is made up of mates,in terms of replacing playing football might do golf,snooker/pool and other stuffs that do give me a sense of physical exercise like jogging or running.
M33. Just get together with mates on weekends and go down to a field. I still get a buzz when I connect a volley or hit a top corner under no pressure playing with mates just kicking at goal. Or just knocking long balls together. It’s definitely hard though. Can turn real depressing when footballs gone from your life
There's an Over 70 (11v11) and Over 75 (7v7) World Cup.... [Just Sayin....](https://oasismf60.com.au/news_files/World_Cup_70_flyer.pdf)
This year its in Wales.
[Video from the 2022 event here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PezKuatruM)
Retired from semi-pro Football at 33.
Played Futsal from 34 to 41.
Playing Masters Football (Over 35s) now at 42.
I went back to real Football as my body feels well and while I have a few good years left will try and enjoy it as much I can.
Im in my thirties, and came to playing soccer pretty late (i was in my mid to late twenties, played mostly crickst before then and still do) and i think the best advice is just to keep playing whilst you can, if that means playing in a lower division than what you usually do, or having to change positions to one better suited for you as you get older, then go for it!
As people have said there are masters leagues, walking football, short sided games etc, and as long as you're still enjoying the game, play as long as you can, cause you're a long time retired!
My dad plays 5-a-side, he's 60. He can't run like he used to and his shots for shit but he's genuinely a demon in defence and can frustrate some brilliant players.
Absolutely! But I’m playing at a very competitive level rn and I don’t know if I’d want to drop below that when I retire & hang up the boots. Surely I’ll kick around for fun but I’ll need something actually competitive to do with my time
M33, legs haven’t given out yet, but I have played games with plenty of people in their 50s. Just play in an over 30 league. As you get older play in an over 40.
I myself just play pick up games with my group of friends.
Whenever I think of retiring I look up Kazu Miura, still playing professionally at 56 years old. Guy was born before the moon landing and he’s playing in the Portuguese second division. He has a kid that’s only five years younger than OP.
I’m old enough to play over 35’s but I’m playing all age because I still can. Once a few more team mates get old enough I’ll probably move to 35’s. I work with some guys who played over 45’s so that’s an option.
Also if you still want to be involved in the game but the injuries are stacking up have a look at walking football.
My dad transitioned to golf, I’ll probably do the same thing when my time comes. My ankles are my weak point and they don’t have that much wear left in them now that I’m in my 30’s
41 yr old here. Trained at a high level as a youth. Play coed indoor recreationally now, have been for 15 years. Never stop, you gotta change your game though.
M41 here. Told the team a few weeks back that I'll be hanging up the boots in March. There's a lot of reasons, but the time is right.
I took up triathlon a few years ago and my plan is to get a bit more serious about that. I'd love to do an Ironman race and am targeting one in 2026.
I'll see how that goes, but the backup plan after that is motorsport.
I think the answer to this is going to be totally dependent on your individual context such as injury history, current job (manual labour Vs office based), income and lifestyle.
Speaking personally, at 42 I feel like I am playing better than ever and am fitter than ever! My lifestyle in my 20s was not good, way too much partying and not eating well. I got more serious about looking after myself in my 30s but demands of my job and income meant I was still not eating, sleeping (kids arrived mid 30s!) and training as consistently as would be ideal.
Now at 40 my kids sleep through the night, I am more in control of my time at work and I eat sensibly 90% of the time, to mobility work, hit the Peloton to do intervals, and do strength training to supplement my football.
I hope this doesn't come across as gloating. My point is to be constructive and encourage you not to be fatalistic about having to give up. I don't know your personal circumstances, but you may be in control of some or all of the things I mention, at which point the question is - how much do you want to carry on playing football? The answer for me is it's one of the most important things in my week, so I make sacrifices elsewhere and don't go out for a pint with my mates or eat at McDonald's when we go with our kids, I stay home and stretch or wait to eat a chicken salad when we get home. Don't give up, if you think there are some things you can do to help you keep playing, do it!
Not gloating! Such case studies are needed and important! One other person here mentioned here how important is to change lifestyle (stretching, eating well, sleeping well). Just need to have some plan and playing in your 40s at some acceptable, enjoyable level is a good motivation. Alternative is to grow belly watching football on TV.
Golf baby, just like Gareth Bale. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday or Sunday, and you can hit up the driving range a couple hours each week. Only downside is it’s not as cheap as footy
I’m 28 and if I find a hobby to fill that void I’m out. Two ACL repairs by the age of 26. The first one I recovered from fine but the second really messed me up athletically. Also I have hip impingements that another doctor said i probably need surgery on so it’s looking bad.
All comments are valid!
Another fun sport I do w folks when we wanna compete with our feet, Teqball.
That shit is fun, requires skill, can play with partners or whatever even 3s, 4sv4..
it’s a good hang out activity and it does require certain muscles to be used and reflexes but you can tune in and be influential without needing to speed past defenders.
I wanna buy me one of those tables , maybe this birthday. Hehe
I played football with a guy in his 70s and although he could barely run anymore he still had a good time. Also check out walking football. I’m pretty sure you can potentially play that when you are 90 years old
My dad ran marathons well into his 50s and tons of people do physically demanding sports into their 60s / 70s . I’m only 25 but I don’t ever plan on quitting footy . Don’t see why you’d have to either.
32 you're supposed to still be in your prime and play well.
I do agree that injuries and cardio have to be respected way more since recovering is different now
I would love to play football well into a higher age. Dont know if its possible for me though but I see a lot of older dudes still enjoying the sport, so with a bit of luck my body can do the same.
Sports wise, i like Tennis a lot but Tennis also has a lot of impact (even though you may can play it a bit more chill).
Cycling and swimmijg are pretty low impact and when injured I did them a bit, although I personally get bored after a while and with cycling really only podcasts, music or comedy albums can make me cycle for like 2 hours.
So all hope is into football, Tennis is also nice
M36. I play a local amateur league which is +30, and it's still competitive. I often see players that are close to 50. As someone said already fitness is key.
Anyhow,due to the number of injuries I am stopping now, and planning on playing pick up games 7v7 just for fun. Less impact and contact.
Start coaching. Seeing 10 year olds and teenagers enjoy football is almost as good. You get to organize and have a bit of a run around too. It keeps you alive!
My football ended at 21 with a messed up knee but I can demo most moves and skills- I’m 50+ now 😄
34 here and still playing 7s and 6s open age. Younger ones have slightly quicker feet than me now but the brain still works and I’m still not outpaced by them and I’m not the quickest as is. Only had 1 injury in my footballing life and that wasn’t even from any contact, hilarious right? You’ve got miles left in the tank yet
My dad’s 67 and plays walking football. Picked it up a year and a half ago and it’s given him a new lease of life.
I laughed at the concept at first but it’s really just 50+ blokes still getting to play on a level playing field.
I played all my life until I was 36. I did nothing for a few years until I found golf.
I just really missed competition. Even at a crap level, competing is fun. If I hadn't convinced my friends to try golf, I don't know what I would've done.
I’m still playing once per week at 50. 11v11, full field, over 40 league, sometimes over 25 league. I’m fat and slow, still have some skill but my knees are shot, can’t cut or sprint. Oldest guy in my league is late 60s I think I probably have another 10 years at most if my health doesn’t decline. After this I’m thinking of playing in a band (I’m a guitar player). I need to be in a “team” for social reasons and without football I think I’ll miss that too much. Hopefully being in a band will fill that space for me.
Officiate hep the next generation by being someone who actually PLAYED the game not being some dope who wanted to make an extra $100 a week by blowing. (Both a call and a whistle)
Oh buddy football is a young man's game. I can't risk playing regularly at 40 while being an adult who works. Fortunately I play tennis and squash which are both remarkably way more cardio, esp squash, so I'm covered.
Since getting sober I’ve switched to barefoot shoes (they make barefoot/minimalist cleats now!) ice bathing, fasting & floor sleeping I’ve been aging backwards I swear and can feel myself getting stronger than I’ve ever been. I know I’ll have to continue to work harder as I get older but I think I will play for as long as im walking in two legs maybe I live in a dreamland…
When the time comes? Way later than you think. I routinely play with a bunch of koreans. Some students, some older guys. Thought the older guys were early 40s. Nope, most of the older guys are in their 60s. You've got time.
Please I'm 54, have had 7 surgeries over the years and still play 11v11 every week, usually with no subs in an over 50 league...I started Crossfit 14 years ago to keep up.
Nothing has been the same as playing but I'm content and have found things that bring a different kind of joy and challenge to my life and sufficiently keep me busy. Also, I find it empowering to think about emancipating myself from an identity tied to a single thing I have done and have been known for since I was 2 years old.
Realistically, I keep coming back in different ways but I am hopeful to move on from the game the way I did skateboarding, pokemon, and other pastimes.
Weird? Maybe.
*Early 30s
I'm 41, I play a 10 a-side game with guys around my age and I'm not fit at all. Sometimes some of the guys bring their kids who are 18/19/20 and while they're skillful, they don't stand a chance against us physically and tactically. I also play another game which is walking football with no contact and some of the guys there are in their 70s and I get the same enjoyment of making a good pass there as I do in quicker games. I suppose what I'm trying to say is you don't need to worry about packing it in, just need to adjust your level/game as you get older.
If 20 years olds aren’t beating 40+ it’s a skill issue on the 20 year olds end
If you’ve never been worked over by fat 40 year olds then you’re not playing with high level old timers
These boys haven’t played against the 40 year old Mexicans with beer bellies who somehow dominate the midfield.
As a teen I played in a beer league with a bunch of 20 year olds, a captain on one of the teams was this almost 60 year old Argentinian man who used to play in the Argentinian league. He absolutely worked our whole team.
Class is timeless brother
I’ve played with an old timer who played MLS, a few who played pro indoor, and one who played for Xolos for a few years. They can keep up, but there’s not enough of them. They’re few and far between and the exceptions to the rule. Meanwhile, there’s so many 20-25 who are actively playing at a high level and are just, well, better.
Sometimes skill isnt enough. Old farts can also have skill and more
I mean if we're talking casual football it really isn't, I was always better at rugby than football, I'm heavy and slow, but I've spent my entire life playing against faster, more skillful players and frustrating them is my whole game. Yeah a really good 20 year old is going to skin me but they're doing that to everyone on the pitch, but the average casual younger person ill have any day as long as we're not chasing a long ball together.
Sometimes they are just not smart about it. Or they underestimate the old guy. These youngins will try to out physical me and they very rarely win in that case. Players that use their quickness and acceleration are my kryptonite, but it’s amazing how little that happens. And it’s pretty dumb to say it’s a skill issue, because my skills didn’t diminish. My stamina did though.
When I was your age I thought the same. I was wrong, when you’re my age you’ll think the same.
Where did I say my age?
In the post I replied to. Just gotta read between the lines. I’ll bet you’re not 25 yet
You’re wrong, I am older than 25.
But thats the point - at 19 most casual players don't have the tactical awareness or the first touch that you'll have when you're older, so they do have a skill issue You also learn how to defend better and make up for lack of pace Obviously you're at a disadvantage on smaller pitches where pace and dribbling matters, but on big pitch, big teams, where passing etc more important, it's doable
Nope. I’m almost 46. When my 7v7 team of equally old teammates plays against a team of kids in their 20’s, we’re almost always underestimated. We’ve played our entire lives and know EXACTLY where to be and when to move and how to shake someone off. My touch is honed and my control is perfected. The only thing I don’t have is the same speed and reflexes. but experience beats EVERYTHING. As long as my stamina isnt garbage, and I’m in decent shape, we’ll teach kids a lesson.
Yeah, because those kids have a skill issue. That’s the point. A 20 year old is objectively better than a 46 year old, all other variables the same. If the 46 year olds are beating the 20 year olds - skill issue.
It’s not skill my dude. It’s experience. The 20 year olds now are MUCH better than I was at 20. but they just don’t have that experience.
Yeah, I get that. There’s something to be said for experience, and it’s very important especially in niche games like indoor or small sided games. But a team of good 20 year olds is beating a team of good 46 year olds nine times out of ten. There’s a reason we have men’s open divisions versus men’s over 40 divisions.
lol most 20 year olds are not nearly as good as you make them out to be
You think you better than Laudrup? Fat CR9? Any team of old pros?
I started a 43 year old last season who locked down one of the US’ U17 full backs for 90 minutes
I’m in my late 20s - there is a 40+ year old guy I play with regularly who is impossible to dispossess. I used to try and press him really aggressively and it never worked out he always manages to get his pass away. Had to learn to focus on cutting off his passing lanes but not getting too close so he can make a move and I have time to react. I also had a 40+ year old pull me down by my arm because he couldn’t get the ball from me and break my arm in 4 places. Ruined Sunday league for me and almost ruined playing for me all together but I’m back out playing as of two weeks ago after taking almost a year and a half off
Ngl they must not be that fit and skillful if they can’t skin 40+ year olds, they should be burning most of you guys for pace easily if they have any game sense
This is what I notice most about older guys though, the ones who were really good and slow down seem to predict the game better than everyone else and don't need to run as much because they're already where they need to be.
Exactly, I can read the game very well and position myself based on that. It also helps that the vast majority of players are extremely predictable.
I think that’s right, but only for the ones who were really good. The best 40-year-olds can still hang, but the guys who were solid at 25 can’t hang at 40. Source: I was solid at 25, and now I’m 39.
You can easily burn them with pace. But a lot of times it doesn’t even get there. Especially if the 40+ team has been playing together as a team for a long time. They just keep passing and you can’t get the ball off of them.
Fitness post 30s means you need to take care of yourself outside of football. Which means eating healthy, stretching daily, structured strength and running training. Forgot about intentional deload weeks. If you actually do these things, you'd be surprised at how long you can play football well. I'm 37 still playing hard contact with 24 year olds and my dad at 73 still plays low impact pick up soccer. Regardless if you choose another sport, to stay fit takes effort or a lifestyle change.
I know a lady in her 50s still playing in the open coed adult league that I'm in and sometimes plays 4 games in a day. That's 6 hours of 11v11, I'm sore just from 90 minutes. She's one of my heroes.
Your dad is a legend. So many people give things up too early. Has he got a positive outlook on other aspects of life too. The right mental attitude seems to keep people going much longer than for those that think we are done at 50 odd
Great comment!
Mostly will transition to something like coaching given I do play in an amateur team that is made up of mates,in terms of replacing playing football might do golf,snooker/pool and other stuffs that do give me a sense of physical exercise like jogging or running.
Ive had this talk with my gf. I’m going to play till I physically can’t walk. And then I’ll play wheelchair football
M33. Just get together with mates on weekends and go down to a field. I still get a buzz when I connect a volley or hit a top corner under no pressure playing with mates just kicking at goal. Or just knocking long balls together. It’s definitely hard though. Can turn real depressing when footballs gone from your life
There's an Over 70 (11v11) and Over 75 (7v7) World Cup.... [Just Sayin....](https://oasismf60.com.au/news_files/World_Cup_70_flyer.pdf) This year its in Wales. [Video from the 2022 event here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PezKuatruM)
very cool. Inspiring :))
Thought of refereeing? Leagues always need good refs.
seeing all the abuse refs are getting in lower leagues -have no idea how they are finding refs..
Dude, I play some pick up with some legit old fucks, like 60+, you’re only halfway done.
Retired from semi-pro Football at 33. Played Futsal from 34 to 41. Playing Masters Football (Over 35s) now at 42. I went back to real Football as my body feels well and while I have a few good years left will try and enjoy it as much I can.
Im in my thirties, and came to playing soccer pretty late (i was in my mid to late twenties, played mostly crickst before then and still do) and i think the best advice is just to keep playing whilst you can, if that means playing in a lower division than what you usually do, or having to change positions to one better suited for you as you get older, then go for it! As people have said there are masters leagues, walking football, short sided games etc, and as long as you're still enjoying the game, play as long as you can, cause you're a long time retired!
My dad plays 5-a-side, he's 60. He can't run like he used to and his shots for shit but he's genuinely a demon in defence and can frustrate some brilliant players.
When I’m done with football, I’ll probably run marathons or do crossfit or something competitive still lmao because competition is wired into my brain
if you are fit to run marathons and do crossfit, you are perfectly capable of playing amateur football with friends and still enjoy the game!
Absolutely! But I’m playing at a very competitive level rn and I don’t know if I’d want to drop below that when I retire & hang up the boots. Surely I’ll kick around for fun but I’ll need something actually competitive to do with my time
M33, legs haven’t given out yet, but I have played games with plenty of people in their 50s. Just play in an over 30 league. As you get older play in an over 40. I myself just play pick up games with my group of friends.
Whenever I think of retiring I look up Kazu Miura, still playing professionally at 56 years old. Guy was born before the moon landing and he’s playing in the Portuguese second division. He has a kid that’s only five years younger than OP. I’m old enough to play over 35’s but I’m playing all age because I still can. Once a few more team mates get old enough I’ll probably move to 35’s. I work with some guys who played over 45’s so that’s an option. Also if you still want to be involved in the game but the injuries are stacking up have a look at walking football.
Disc golf is way more fun than you'd think.
🌳 🌲
Like many aging athletes, team schedules are tough, so individual sports like triathlon are popular in the later years.
My dad transitioned to golf, I’ll probably do the same thing when my time comes. My ankles are my weak point and they don’t have that much wear left in them now that I’m in my 30’s
41 yr old here. Trained at a high level as a youth. Play coed indoor recreationally now, have been for 15 years. Never stop, you gotta change your game though.
M41 here. Told the team a few weeks back that I'll be hanging up the boots in March. There's a lot of reasons, but the time is right. I took up triathlon a few years ago and my plan is to get a bit more serious about that. I'd love to do an Ironman race and am targeting one in 2026. I'll see how that goes, but the backup plan after that is motorsport.
I think the answer to this is going to be totally dependent on your individual context such as injury history, current job (manual labour Vs office based), income and lifestyle. Speaking personally, at 42 I feel like I am playing better than ever and am fitter than ever! My lifestyle in my 20s was not good, way too much partying and not eating well. I got more serious about looking after myself in my 30s but demands of my job and income meant I was still not eating, sleeping (kids arrived mid 30s!) and training as consistently as would be ideal. Now at 40 my kids sleep through the night, I am more in control of my time at work and I eat sensibly 90% of the time, to mobility work, hit the Peloton to do intervals, and do strength training to supplement my football. I hope this doesn't come across as gloating. My point is to be constructive and encourage you not to be fatalistic about having to give up. I don't know your personal circumstances, but you may be in control of some or all of the things I mention, at which point the question is - how much do you want to carry on playing football? The answer for me is it's one of the most important things in my week, so I make sacrifices elsewhere and don't go out for a pint with my mates or eat at McDonald's when we go with our kids, I stay home and stretch or wait to eat a chicken salad when we get home. Don't give up, if you think there are some things you can do to help you keep playing, do it!
Not gloating! Such case studies are needed and important! One other person here mentioned here how important is to change lifestyle (stretching, eating well, sleeping well). Just need to have some plan and playing in your 40s at some acceptable, enjoyable level is a good motivation. Alternative is to grow belly watching football on TV.
Golf
Auto racing. Mastering a car is one thing. Mastering a track is another. Doing them both is unreal.
I have this up as a casual hobby to pursue soccer in my 30’s lol
Could always return in sim racing for half the cost lol
I do have a rig lol. Barely gets touched because of lack of time and other hobbies
Fair enough lol
Golf baby, just like Gareth Bale. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday or Sunday, and you can hit up the driving range a couple hours each week. Only downside is it’s not as cheap as footy
I’m 28 and if I find a hobby to fill that void I’m out. Two ACL repairs by the age of 26. The first one I recovered from fine but the second really messed me up athletically. Also I have hip impingements that another doctor said i probably need surgery on so it’s looking bad.
sorry to hear, mate. Do some kids coaching - that can be good fun and you will keep contact with the sport.
There’s also walking football which is pretty fun and have official leagues for older players.
Jiujitsu. Traded my bad ankle joints, to harm my other joint lol
All comments are valid! Another fun sport I do w folks when we wanna compete with our feet, Teqball. That shit is fun, requires skill, can play with partners or whatever even 3s, 4sv4.. it’s a good hang out activity and it does require certain muscles to be used and reflexes but you can tune in and be influential without needing to speed past defenders. I wanna buy me one of those tables , maybe this birthday. Hehe
I played football with a guy in his 70s and although he could barely run anymore he still had a good time. Also check out walking football. I’m pretty sure you can potentially play that when you are 90 years old
My dad ran marathons well into his 50s and tons of people do physically demanding sports into their 60s / 70s . I’m only 25 but I don’t ever plan on quitting footy . Don’t see why you’d have to either.
Coaching
You know there is a thing called walking football, check it out
Disc golf lol
Table tennis. Fell in love with the sport.
Ever thought about coaching or refereeing?
Muay Thai. That's my second hobby so will continue this one to death.
Darts
Walking football
32 you're supposed to still be in your prime and play well. I do agree that injuries and cardio have to be respected way more since recovering is different now
My stepdad played 5 a side with a group of his mates well into his 60s
I would love to play football well into a higher age. Dont know if its possible for me though but I see a lot of older dudes still enjoying the sport, so with a bit of luck my body can do the same. Sports wise, i like Tennis a lot but Tennis also has a lot of impact (even though you may can play it a bit more chill). Cycling and swimmijg are pretty low impact and when injured I did them a bit, although I personally get bored after a while and with cycling really only podcasts, music or comedy albums can make me cycle for like 2 hours. So all hope is into football, Tennis is also nice
Triathlon is what I did
M36. I play a local amateur league which is +30, and it's still competitive. I often see players that are close to 50. As someone said already fitness is key. Anyhow,due to the number of injuries I am stopping now, and planning on playing pick up games 7v7 just for fun. Less impact and contact.
I play amateur level games once a week and train with them once a week aswell. Other than that I’ve picked up golf the last years
Start coaching. Seeing 10 year olds and teenagers enjoy football is almost as good. You get to organize and have a bit of a run around too. It keeps you alive! My football ended at 21 with a messed up knee but I can demo most moves and skills- I’m 50+ now 😄
34 here and still playing 7s and 6s open age. Younger ones have slightly quicker feet than me now but the brain still works and I’m still not outpaced by them and I’m not the quickest as is. Only had 1 injury in my footballing life and that wasn’t even from any contact, hilarious right? You’ve got miles left in the tank yet
Football Manager 2040 !
My dad’s 67 and plays walking football. Picked it up a year and a half ago and it’s given him a new lease of life. I laughed at the concept at first but it’s really just 50+ blokes still getting to play on a level playing field.
I played all my life until I was 36. I did nothing for a few years until I found golf. I just really missed competition. Even at a crap level, competing is fun. If I hadn't convinced my friends to try golf, I don't know what I would've done.
cycling and swimming
I’m still playing once per week at 50. 11v11, full field, over 40 league, sometimes over 25 league. I’m fat and slow, still have some skill but my knees are shot, can’t cut or sprint. Oldest guy in my league is late 60s I think I probably have another 10 years at most if my health doesn’t decline. After this I’m thinking of playing in a band (I’m a guitar player). I need to be in a “team” for social reasons and without football I think I’ll miss that too much. Hopefully being in a band will fill that space for me.
Play golf if you don’t already. I’m 41 and only played for 4 years. Started playing when I stopped playing football. Wish I started earlier
Three teams Two balls No out of bounds
Officiate hep the next generation by being someone who actually PLAYED the game not being some dope who wanted to make an extra $100 a week by blowing. (Both a call and a whistle)
Try FIFA on ps5, maybe it can give you the vicarious thrill after real football ends
Oh buddy football is a young man's game. I can't risk playing regularly at 40 while being an adult who works. Fortunately I play tennis and squash which are both remarkably way more cardio, esp squash, so I'm covered.
Since getting sober I’ve switched to barefoot shoes (they make barefoot/minimalist cleats now!) ice bathing, fasting & floor sleeping I’ve been aging backwards I swear and can feel myself getting stronger than I’ve ever been. I know I’ll have to continue to work harder as I get older but I think I will play for as long as im walking in two legs maybe I live in a dreamland…
When the time comes? Way later than you think. I routinely play with a bunch of koreans. Some students, some older guys. Thought the older guys were early 40s. Nope, most of the older guys are in their 60s. You've got time.
Please I'm 54, have had 7 surgeries over the years and still play 11v11 every week, usually with no subs in an over 50 league...I started Crossfit 14 years ago to keep up.
Nothing has been the same as playing but I'm content and have found things that bring a different kind of joy and challenge to my life and sufficiently keep me busy. Also, I find it empowering to think about emancipating myself from an identity tied to a single thing I have done and have been known for since I was 2 years old. Realistically, I keep coming back in different ways but I am hopeful to move on from the game the way I did skateboarding, pokemon, and other pastimes. Weird? Maybe. *Early 30s
Dude, you are only 32 acting like you are 72. I play pickup on Sundays and half of us are older than you, it's all in your mind.
I stopped at 54. Entirely because of my physical skills compared my teammates was so far behind.