Seniors still chasing dreams and crushing sports
- Cody Cheung
- Aug 21, 2025
- 3 min read
From Tokyo’s 80+ football league to the World Masters Games, senior athletes are proving that passion and grit never age—and you don’t need to be a pro to play.
As a lifelong football fan, I have always admired Japanese striker Kazuyoshi Miura. At 58, he’s still sprinting across the pitch, holding the title of the world’s oldest active professional footballer. Yet, amusingly, he’s still far too young to qualify for the league I am about to introduce.
SFL80: Japan’s league of octogenarian football stars
On the fields of Tokyo, a remarkable scene unfolds: silver-haired athletes chasing the ball with the same fire they had decades ago. Among them is 85-year-old Rokuhiko Nomura, once Japan’s top scorer in 1965. Today, his footwork remains razor-sharp, and he’s joined by teammates and rivals well into their 80s—and even 90s.
Welcome to “Soccer for Life 80”, or SFL80—a pioneering league exclusively for players aged 80 and above. Launched in 2023, it features around 60 athletes split into three teams: Red Stars, White Bears, and Blue Hawaiians. Matches are held monthly from April to February, played on full-sized professional fields but with modified rules: games last just 25 minutes, substitutions are unlimited, and players can re-enter after being subbed out.
While the pace may be slower, the technique and tactical awareness remain sharp. And the hunger to win? Undiminished. According to league secretary-general Tetsuji Aoyama, Japan’s senior football population has grown steadily, prompting the creation of divisions for players aged 60+, 65+, 70+, and 75+ —since 2008. The launch of the 80+ league in 2023 was the natural next step.
Many players joke that at 79, they struggled to keep up in the 75+ division—but once promoted to the 80+ league, they became the “rookies”, reigniting their youthful spirit. With this mindset, many boldly declare, “I want to play better and score more goals!” Their fierce determination on the field and cheerful camaraderie off it beautifully capture the essence of the Silverithmics—aka the “silver youth”.
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World Masters Games: the global stage for senior sports
Beyond football, a grander stage awaits Silverithmic athletes worldwide—the World Masters Games (WMG). Established in 1985 and held every four years, WMG is often dubbed the “Olympics for the silver generation”. Organised by the International Masters Games Association (IMGA), its mission is to promote lifelong fitness and friendship through sport, championing the spirit of active ageing.
The most recent edition took place this May in Taipei and New Taipei City, where athletes competed in 35 disciplines, including track and field, swimming, football, tennis, archery, weightlifting, and even dragon boat racing. The entry requirements are refreshingly inclusive—anyone aged 30 and above can participate, with no upper age limit. Former Olympians and retired athletes often step out of their comfort zones to try entirely new sports.
This year’s participants ranged from 30 to an astonishing 105 years old. Among the standouts were 105-year-old Sawang Janpram from Thailand and 99-year-old Allan Martin from New Zealand, both competing in the javelin throw. Taiwanese celebrity Hannah Quinlivan’s grandfather, 90-year-old Laurence Quinlivan, flew in from Australia to compete in javelin, sprinting, discus, and shot put. In the 100-metre sprint, he clocked an impressive 21.20 seconds—earning a silver medal and humbling many younger athletes. I take my hat off to him!
And who bested him? Mongolia’s 91-year-old Radnaa Tseren, hailed as “the fastest grandpa on Earth”, swept five golds in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m races. In the 90+ division’s 1500m event, he finished in under eight minutes—just shy of his own world record, yet still a feat few younger runners could match.
Fired up yet? Time to get moving
These silver youth athletes have proven one thing beyond doubt—age is never an excuse. The key is to take that first step. You might worry about keeping up at first, but once you dive in, you will discover strength and potential you never knew you had. Exercise doesn’t just boost physical health—it rejuvenates your mindset and enriches your life.
Let’s take inspiration from these Silverithmic warriors and embrace the challenge of movement. Whether you are 60, 70, or 80, the game of life is always waiting for your next play. There’s a whole world of senior sports dreams out there—go out and chase yours.
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