Alpine Soccer

Have you ever thought that regular soccer is too boring? Try having a look at this new extreme form of soccer called Alpine Soccer. Alpine Soccer is exactly what it sounds like- soccer that takes place on a mountain. It even has the same rules at regular soccer. In an interview with My Van, a player on one of these teams, shares his insight: “Anyone can play on flat pitches”, says Alois Gantner, the coach of the ‘Supa Burschis’ team. “In Montafon, we only play on the steepest slopes we can find.” Montafon is a valley in Austria that stretches from Bludenz to the Silvretta mountain range.

This form of soccer is not only labeled extreme due to the steepness of the terrain that they play on, but also for the skills needed to play. Equilibrium plays a large part in being able to participate in this sport accordingly. According to SkiResort.com, “The ski resort Silvretta Montafon 1,730 m has the biggest elevation difference of all ski resorts in the Montafon.” This means while also having to remain balanced, players also have to worry about the oxygen at that elevation.

The Behavioral Sciences Department at Palomar College said, “When we travel to high mountain areas, our bodies initially develop inefficient physiological responses. There is an increase in breathing and heart rate to as much as double, even while resting. Pulse rate and blood pressure go up sharply as our hearts pump harder to get more oxygen to the cells. These are stressful changes, especially for people with weak hearts.” This extreme sport is definitely not for those with a weak heart- or a fear of heights.