The Los Angeles City Council on Friday recognized a walking-soccer league for older adults and heard a request from the program’s founder to expand the effort into a citywide, city-supported initiative.

Councilmember Bob Bloomfield introduced the group, describing matches at local parks and asking the Recreation and Parks Department to show a video of the program in action. "It’s like being a kid again," one participant told the council during the presentation.

Dr. Pandriling, who identified himself as a chiropractor and the founder of the walking-soccer league, told the council the program is intended for people 60 and older and emphasized safety and social benefits. "Fútbol caminante... promueve balance y mejoría física y también crea una sensación comunitaria importante apoyando al bienestar mental," he said. He said the league started with four people, now has about 100 participants across three sites, and fields teams organized by national origin for a recreational "Copa Mundial" the league stages.

Jeremy Alrich, identified as a parks department director, praised the program’s growth at Kenoga and Lanard parks and thanked council members for support. Participants, some in their 70s, 80s and 90s, were presented certificates and invited council members to visit a match.

Dr. Pandriling asked the council to "adopt an initiative for walking soccer across the city" so leagues could be city-supported and ready before major international events. The request was presented as a speaker appeal; the transcript records no formal motion or council vote to create a city program.

Why it matters: Council members framed the program as a public-health and social-inclusion activity for older residents, noting low injury rates and potential for city-supported leagues.

What happened next: No formal directive or budget appropriation was recorded in the transcript; council members expressed support and encouraged staff follow-up.

Ending: Councilmembers applauded the participants and accepted certificates; staff and councilmembers invited members to a future demonstration at the parks.