Councilmember Bob Blumenfield recognized a senior walking-soccer program that started in Canoga Park and presented certificates to players from the Lanark Dragons, who represented the city at an international walking-soccer tournament. The program’s founder, Dr. Ben Drilling, urged the council to help expand the model citywide so older Angelenos have more low‑impact exercise and social opportunities.

The program was framed as a health and social benefit for older residents. Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, council president pro tem, said the City Council wanted to spotlight the group’s “remarkable fourth place finish” in an international event and the league’s growth at Lanark Recreation Center in Canoga Park.

Dr. Ben Drilling, identified in the meeting as a chiropractor and founder of the walking-soccer program, told the council that the game removes running, tackling and high contact so older adults can play safely. “We have removed barriers so older adults and those returning to activity can play safely,” Dr. Drilling said. He said the program began with four players and "has grown to over a 100 participants across 3 locations," and asked the council to adopt a citywide initiative: “I'm asking the council to adopt a city wide walking soccer initiative, designate fields, promote programs in our parks, and help publicize city sponsored walking soccer leagues.”

Jeremy Aldridge, director of Lanark Recreation Center, described a local partnership with Dr. Drilling and the city’s Recreation and Parks Department and said the program had become a reliable offering at the park. Blumenfield presented a certificate to Dr. Drilling and to players at the meeting.

No formal motion or vote to create a city program was recorded in the meeting minutes; the record shows a ceremonial recognition and a public request from Dr. Drilling for staff-level follow up and support. Dr. Drilling said he is “ready to coordinate training, organize volunteers, and help launch these programs before the World Cup,” indicating he seeks operational support rather than immediate legislative action.

Next steps: the presentation concluded with encouragement from councilmembers to visit Lanark Recreation Center and with no formal referral or budget allocation recorded at the meeting.