What an NCAA rule change might mean for junior hockey in Sask.
Nov 18, 2024
Previously, WHL players were declared ineligible to play NCAA hockey in the U.S.
Soccer players in Saskatchewan are getting a kick out of a new twist on the planet’s most popular sport.
Walking soccer has become one of the fastest growing sports, and people taking part in Soccer Days in Saskatchewan at SaskTel Sports Centre on Saturday were getting a close look at the game that has one obvious rule change from a typical game of soccer.
“The name tells it all,” said Eden Rakochy, the special programs director with the Saskatchewan Soccer Association, between sessions on Saturday.
“It’s walking, one foot on the ground at all times. This way, you’re able to have all abilities, all skill-levels on the pitch. We’re passing, we’re shooting, we’re scoring, and we’re having a good time playing soccer.”
The walking soccer is getting heated here at Soccer Days in Saskatchewan. #yxe #SDIS2019 pic.twitter.com/XrfHPK0pi3
— Keenan Sorokan (@KeenanSorokan) July 27, 2019
Saturday’s walking soccer festival is only the Saskatchewan Soccer Association’s second time hosting the sport. After a large turnout in March, the organization was encouraged to host another showcase event.
The general gist of soccer is the same, but small variations open the game up to a whole new crop of players who might be limited under normal rules.
In walking soccer, the fields are considerably smaller, as are the nets. The ball cannot travel higher than six feet, and there is no contact in walking soccer.
Danielle Bryk turned to the sport during her pregnancy and is able to still play the game she loves without many of the traditional risks.
“If you have anybody who has any sort of limitations, you are still able to play,” she said. “Even if you suffered concussions, or you’re coming back from having a baby or surgery, it’s a way back in and it’s so much fun.”
Bryk is organizing the province’s first walking soccer league through Saskatoon Adult Soccer. It will likely be a spattering of 15 drop-in sessions, with three games taking place per session during the winter season.
Taking someone’s running ability away while playing soccer usually produces some funny results, and growing pains, during the first few minutes, according to Bryk.
“Every person has to adjust a little bit. It’s working with what you have and adapting (to that),” she said, pointing to players who can’t resist the urge to run after a ball.
Dave Taylor was forced to turn to walking soccer as a way of turning the clock back. He played soccer most of his life until the age of 71. Walking soccer has given Taylor a new lease on his favourite sport.
“I’m looking forward to this because I can do this now,” he said. “It’s a good way of getting some exercise when you’re in the 55-plus (age category), or when you’re injured and you want to rehab. It’s a good sport for a lot of people.”
Much of Saturday’s two-hour showcase was happening under the watchful eye of senior fitness clubs and associations in Saskatoon looking to latch onto the sport.
Another draw is the ability to get multiple generations playing at once; a youngster can suit up alongside a grandparent for a game, for example.
Bryk did warn that just because walking is the name of the game, that doesn’t mean it’s a completely relaxing time.
“You do sweat and you do get tired — you really do,” she said.