Move over pickleball, the next sports trend for older athletes is here: walking soccer.

We love the idea that you can modify a sport — like what happened when tennis morphed into pickleball — and still retain the excitement of participation and get health benefits.

Whether you’re a soccer veteran or a newbie, walking soccer's rules are designed to protect you from endless running, head injuries, and strained or torn muscles and tendons, while retaining the competitive fun. Modifications include:

• One foot must be on the ground at all times — no jogging or running.

• All free kicks are indirect.

• The ball must never go above the height of your head.

In addition, there are only six people on the field from each team, the field is smaller than the regulation one, and matches last 60 not 90 minutes.

As for the health benefits, one study found that for guys ages 50 and older who had osteoarthritis of the knee, high blood pressure, or Type 2 diabetes, playing the game for two hours a week for 12 weeks reduced body mass and total body fat.

Another study (limited though it was) found that walking soccer builds important social connections, which are vital for mental and physical health as you age.