Denton walking soccer group brings women 45 and older back to the game

A new soccer program in Denton is getting women back on the field, and nobody has to run.

Organizer Von Hundley told NBC 5 that the group recently launched what organizers believe is one of the first organized walking soccer programs in North Texas for women 45 and older. The group plays weekly and focuses on fitness, stress relief and friendship.

The idea took hold quickly. Hundley organized Denton's first walking soccer exhibition game in May 2026 during the Denton Women's Spring Cup soccer tournament. "The game was a huge success which motivated me to explore the possibility of bringing Walking Soccer to Denton on a more permanent basis," she said.

Hundley describes walking soccer as a gentler, more accessible version of the game that still keeps players active. She said it gives some women a way back into a sport they have stepped away from. "For some women, its about finding their way back to the sport if they have been away because of injuries, age, or simply because they no longer run like they used to," Hundley said.

According to NBC 5, walking soccer reportedly began in England in 2011 as a social and health initiative and has spread around the world. Texas has two recorded walking soccer programs, one in Austin and one in Denton.

"It's been exciting to see Walking Soccer in the Denton area bring so many ladies together on the soccer pitch," Hundley said. "Our goal is to see this program grow and make soccer available for anyone that wants to play the game."

This story is based on original reporting by Laura Harris for NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth.