As the FIFA World Cup captivates audiences worldwide, a unique group of grandmothers in rural Kenya is demonstrating that football has no age limit. In Makueni County, the Maiani Soccer Grannies Football Club gathers women aged between 50 and 80 who play football weekly not for trophies but to enhance their health, build friendships, and redefine ageing.

Formed to encourage retired women to stay active after many experienced increasingly sedentary lifestyles, the club has become a supportive community where members exercise, socialize, and support one another. The women train at least twice a week and participate in tournaments with similar teams across Kenya, inspiring others to engage in sport later in life.

For 56-year-old Peninah Wambua, joining the club earlier in 2026 has been transformative. She shared, "I was not feeling well because I had high blood pressure but since I started playing soccer, I am doing well, I don't have any health problems, I can walk far and I hope I will live longer."

Remaining physically active with age offers benefits such as improved heart health, reduced risks of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, stronger muscles and bones, and better balance, flexibility, and joint movement. Many members also gather after training at Juliana's home to watch World Cup highlights, cheering on African teams and dreaming of representing Kenya in competitions for older women.

The Maiani Soccer Grannies Football Club exemplifies how sport can foster active, joyful ageing and community connection.

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