Football is Medicine: Active Aging Through the Beautiful Game
June 18–19, 2026 | University of Iceland, Reykjavík
Join Us for a Groundbreaking Conference
We’re excited to invite scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to explore how football promotes physical, mental, and social health among senior players.
This two-day conference will examine the transformative power of the beautiful game in active aging through keynote presentations, thematic sessions, workshops, and panel discussions.
Conference Themes
Football Formats for Seniors
Walking football, football fitness, and adapted programs
Health Benefits & Research
Evidence-based insights on football participation across the lifespan
Community & Policy Integration
Building sustainable programs and frameworks
Education & Institutional Leadership
The role of universities and organizations in promoting football for health
Registration & Payment
Confirmed Speakers
Keynote: Dr. Peter Krustrup
Professor of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark / Chair, Football is Medicine Platform
Dr. Runa Sif Stefansdottir
Associate professor, Faculty of Health Promotion, Sport and Leisure Studies, University of Iceland
Rúnar Már Sverrisson
Chair, Walking Football and Football Fitness at FC Trottur
Valgeir Einarsson Mäntylä
Physiotherapist at Kjarni & FA Iceland
Eysteinn Pétur Lárusson
Managing Director of the Icelandic Football Association
Brandi Mitchell
Advocate for Older Women in Soccer
The National Olympic and Sports Association of Iceland
Dr. Milos Petrovic
Associate Professor & Head of Research Center for Sport and Health Sciences, University of Iceland
Dr. Gudberg K. Jonsson
Director, Social Science Research Institute & Human Behavior Laboratory, University of Iceland
Gunnar Jarl Jónsson
Referee Coach FA Iceland and UEFA Observer
Daði Rafnsson
Department of Sports Science, Reykjavik University
Margrét Lilja Burrell
Founder of Football Mobility
Dr. Hildur Guðný Ásgeirsdóttir
Physical activity – Project Manager, The Directorate of Health
Ingvi Sveinsson
Chair of Organizing Committee
Stay Connected
📧 Contact: senior@reycup.is
🔄 Updates: Check back regularly for program details and registration information
