“50s and 60s Were Considered Grandpas”- Weeks After 55-Year-Old Star Signed in Europe, Japan Starts Soccer League for 80-Year-Olds to Keep Their Spirits High

Soccer is arguably the most followed sport around the world. It bridges the gap between the fans irrespective of their ages. We can see people of different age groups playing high-contact sport. The Sunday leagues are famous for some elderly people, but a soccer league dedicated to those above 80 is something else. And Japan has come up with such a unique league recently.

The league started weeks after the 55-year-old Japanese soccer player made a transfer to the Portuguese second-division club. Yokohama FC player Kazuyoshi Miura signed for the Portuguese second-division club Oliveirense on loan ahead of his 56th birthday in February this year.

Despite being risky for 80+, the unique league has received a tremendous response from the people of the country, whose one-third population is 65 plus.

Soccer league in Japan for above 80 people

Soccer For Life has recently started a brand new division for people above 80 years of age, which played its first game this month. 83-year-old Mutsuhiko Nomura is part of one of the teams and has been playing soccer since 13. In his 70 years of soccer journey, Nomura has played for Japan’s national team and still enjoys playing soccer. 

When asked about the league, Nomura said, “When I was a kid, men in their 50s and 60s were considered ‘grandpas'” after a pre-season practice match in February. “And now, we’re all still at it in our 80s. It’s shocking,” the 83-year-old added. Despite being 83, Nomura isn’t the oldest player in the league. 

Shingo Shiozawa, who plays as a goalkeeper, is the oldest player in the league. He was a former car designer. Shiozawa credits playing soccer for quitting smoking and his recovery from the treatment for spinal stenosis. Nomura’s wife isn’t concerned about him playing soccer at 83 or being injured. The only concern for her is his blood pressure, and she thinks playing soccer is best for his health.

Changes in Japanese demographics are the reasons behind the above 8os league

Japan has seen its population of over 65 go to one-third. The life expectancy in the country has gone to 85, seeing some societal changes in the country. One-fifth of those aged above 70 are employed, with old security guards a common sight in the country. 

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The secretary general of SFL, Yutaka Ito, feels the formation of the above-80s division is the reflection of the social changes in the country. The average age of the players in the new league is 83. Ito thinks the number of teams will increase in the coming years. 

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We know the people of Japan for their innovations and fitness, and the new league is proof of it. Let us know your thoughts on the new division for the elderly.