'Walking soccer' a hit with Sarnia seniors

A slow-motion version of soccer is proving to be a hit with seniorsin Sarnia.

"Walkingsoccer" recently started its second season at Norm Perry Park.

Kevan Parsley, 70, first learned about the sport during a visit to the U.K., where he was born.

"Initially I wasn't interested ... but I went to watch them one week and then the following week I played, and I really enjoyed it," he said.

Parsley then approached Sarnia's recreation department about introducing the sport for the city's50-plus crowd.

The retired Nova Chemicals worker describes the sport as the same as regular soccer.

"The only thing is that you cannot run which is hard at times," he said, admitting he's one of the players who often has to be told to slow down.

Tackling is also forbidden.

InSarnia, the sport isco-edand teams are determined on the spot. While participants are required to pay a fee to the city's recreation department to play, Parsley said they usually let interested players play a few times before they register to allow them to test drive the sport.

"We've got probably 25-30 registered now from last year, it's grown by about 10 so far," Parsley said. "I imagine it will grow."

Parsley spoke about the sport withAfternoon Drivehost Chris dela Torre Wednesday. Tap on the audio player to hear their conversation.