In Corvallis, children and young adults aren't the only ones that enjoy playing soccer. For decades older adults in their 40s, 50s and even 60s have enjoyed playing soccer in regular pick-up games at Oregon State University. We generally owe that tradition to the soccer loving faculty and staff at OSU. For whatever reason the Oceanography department has an especially high concentration of soccer fanatics.

Hewlett Packard deserves some credit as well. A team founded by older HP employees calling themselves the Couch Potatoes played in Salem’s over-40 league before the Corvallis Sports Park opened. At the HP lunch break game, players under the age of forty are the minority.

The older players around town are an inspiration to us all. A couple of great examples are Dave “The Iron Man” Cudo who was a former Couch Potato and still plays goal keeper in the unforgiving Premier League at CSP and Fernando del Olmo still fools players forty years his junior out of their shorts.

“We are an educated and active city no matter what the age.” says Jason Wallis, owner and operator of Fitness Over 50.

We are an educated and active city no matter what the age.” says Jason Wallis, owner and operator of Fitness Over 50 in Corvallis. He points out that soccer can provide a fantastic anaerobic workout for older adults. He should know. In addition to earning a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology from OSU and a business that specializes in fitness for mature adults, Jason also plays indoor soccer in the Over-40 League at CSP with the Dutch Bros team.

“There is also an endurance base that will be built over time in soccer especially with fewer substitution opportunities,” Jason adds. “Finally, balance and agility are necessary and built during sports like indoor soccer as well as reaction time. Let’s also not forget the social aspect of playing on a soccer team and the camaraderie that comes with playing as a group.”

Jason recommends that older soccer players be mindful of their intensity level and movements during play. The desire to be productive on the field can lead older players to do themselves more harm than good. Women in particular need to be conscientious of their movements because they are more prone to knee injuries than men. These types of injuries often the result of a twisting or turning motion rather than impact.

“If an older adult did want to play it would be imperative that he/she chose a level that was suitable/comfortable for their ability level and desired outcome/competitive nature,” Jason advises. “Proper shoes, eyewear, braces, and other equipment are important as well as an awareness of staying away from injury causing situations like 50/50 balls, action against the walls, collisions with goalies, etc. Somehow finding a way to play after a proper warm-up would also be ideal for older adults.”

Jason also notes the importance of more traditional stretching, cardio and strength building fitness activities for older adults. Complimentary activities such that produce a more constant elevated heart rate would improve endurance. Resistance training using weight-stack machines, dumbbell and barbells, rubber tubing, or calisthenics is also very important for the aging body. This type of training will yield benefits that solely playing soccer cannot.

Mature minded soccer has caught on. The Philomath Soccer Moms, one of my all-time favorite teams at CSP was a group of brave women playing soccer for the time. That team isn’t around anymore but the Mummies still represent soccer moms in the women’s league. CSP’s popular Over-40 League offer men an age specific alternative league. The coed leagues allow older adults to play with family and friends of all ages.

“Many older adults still feel young at heart and understand the need to continue to be active/moving. At the same time, they want an environment that is appealing and comfortable for their mindset and physical abilities,” says Jason. “Add in the fun of staying in shape with like-minded and –bodied cohorts and it is imperative that our community provide settings for the mature adults of our town.”

When should a person hang up their soccer shoes for good? “When our bodies tell us we can no longer keep up, have fun, and/or remain uninjured,” Jason answers. Sounds good to me. I don’t think anyone gets old until they stop seeking challenges and having fun. What do you think?