Health benefits for over-30s who stay on the ball

RECREATIONAL FOOTBALL players tend to start hanging up their boots in their 30s, many believing the game is just too challenging as the years roll by.

New research argues, however, that there are important health benefits for those who continue playing the beautiful game right into their 50s and even 60s.

Speaking at a session yesterday at the British Science Festival, Peter Reddy, senior lecturer in psychology in the school of life and health sciences at Aston University in Birmingham, said there was no reason why people could not continue playing football well beyond 30.

He referred to recent Danish research in the Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. It detailed a wide range of health gains achieved by those who continue playing.

Those previously out of training experienced marked improvements in blood pressure, blood supply to muscles and in general aerobic fitness, the study found. The gains were better than those seen in distance running and were similar to interval training, the study indicated.

Recreational football improved bone mass, encouraged fat loss and reduced the risk of developing lifestyle diseases. Once fitness was achieved those playing had heart rates at 80-85 per cent of maximum, matching those of elite football players.

Mr Reddy was a particular advocate for recreational football given he was the captain of a team playing in the “Masters World Cup” where players are all 45 and older.

“Our research with players up to age 60 show that many are desperate to continue if the conditions are right,” he said.

“Shorter small-sided games [six-a-side ‘futsal’] and age-banding in five-year groups bring more involvement, and third generation Astroturf is kind to older legs,” he said.