This study investigated the effects of 10 weeks of recreational football training on the leg-extensor force-velocity (F-V) profile in 55- to 70-year-old adults. Simultaneous effects on functional capacity, body composition and endurance exercise capacity were examined. Forty participants (age 63.5 ± 3.9 years; 36♂ 4♀) were randomized in a football training (FOOT, n = 20) and a control (CON, n = 20) group. FOOT performed 45-min to 1-h of football training sessions with small-sided games twice a week. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were performed. The results revealed a greater increase in maximal velocity (d = 0.62, p_int = 0.043) in FOOT compared to CON. No interaction effects were found for maximal power and force (p_int > 0.05). 10-m fast walk improved more (d = 1.39, p_int < 0.001), 3-step stair ascent power (d = 0.73, p_int = 0.053) and body fat percentage (d = 0.61, p_int = 0.083) tended to improve more in FOOT than in CON. RPE and HR values at the highest speed level during a submaximal graded treadmill test decreased more in FOOT compared to CON (RPE: d = 0.96, p_int = 0.005; HR: d = 1.07, p_int = 0.004). Both the number of accelerations and decelerations as well as the distance spent in moderate- and high-speed zones increased markedly throughout the 10-week period (p < 0.05). Participants perceived the sessions as very enjoyable and feasible. In conclusion, recreational football training resulted in improved leg-extensor velocity production, which translated to a better performance on functional capacity tests that rely on a high execution velocity. Simultaneously, exercise tolerance was improved and body fat percentage tended to reduce. It appears that short-term recreational football training can induce broad-spectrum health benefits in 55- to 70-year-old adults with only 2 hours of training per week.

• A 10-week recreational football training program with small-sided games improved leg-extensor velocity production in 55- to 70-year old adults, which translated into better performance on functional capacity tests that rely on high execution velocity, such as fast walking and stair climbing.

• External load of the training sessions (i.e., distance, high-speed runs, number of accelerations and decelerations) gradually increased throughout the training program without changes in average HR, which indicates improved exercise tolerance. This is in line with the lower RPE and HR values in the submaximal graded exercise test.

• Despite the high training intensity, participants experienced the training sessions as very enjoyable and feasible.