SPORT Walking Football

Sweet success

after a long lay-off

Walking football returns, by Chris Wright and Neil Morris

After a long absence, tournament walking football returned to the Algarve in October, and it was East Algarve Walking Football (EAWF) who continued to dominate the sport. The players may have been two years older - sprightly Peter Walpole at 82 being the oldest participant - but their skill and passion for the sport shone through. The 6th Algarve Walking Football Cup at Browns Sports & Leisure Centre, Vilamoura, involved sixteen teams from across Europe including a strong delegation from the Netherlands. In the Senior Section (60+) an unfancied EAWF Tavira team played out of their skins to reach the final where they played Cambuur Bruin (Leeuwarden, Netherlands). With the teams level at the final whistle the dreaded penalty shoot-out saw Peter Dickinson bury - what proved to be - the deciding spot-kick before Jan van der Bij saved the Dutch team’s next penalty to secure an unlikely but highly prized tournament victory. With a solid defence, creative midfield and front man Roy Clark slotting home four goals this was a team effort to be proud of, particularly as Tavira became the first EAWF 60+ team to win a tournament. In the 50+ section EAWF entered three teams (Olhão, Tavira and Moncarapacho) who competed against Sporting Ramsgits (Kent), Clitheroe (Lancashire), SC Farense and Kingsmaid Club (Manchester). The Manchester club cruised through to the final where they met EAWF Olhão who overcame EAWF Moncarapacho 4-0 in the semi-final. After a goalless final, Kingsmaid held their nerve to win the Trophy 3-2 on penalties and consign EAWF Olhão to the runner-up spot. Just two days later the players girded their loins to do battle at the 2nd EuroCopa Walking Football Tournament in Albufeira organised by Algarve Football Tours. Once again teams from across Europe, together with a team from South Africa, competed under a cloudless blue Algarvean sky. In the 50+ section EAWF Tavira and EAWF Olhão reached the final, the first time this had happened in EAWF tournament history. To reach the final after the group stages EAWF Tavira and EAWF Olhão had to overcome strong opposition from Benfica and Seaton Carew (Durham). The final saw Olhão take the lead twice, only for Tavira to strike back and lead 3-2 with the clock ticking down. A dramatic last-minute goal from Jesus Ruiz - his hat trick - levelled the score at 3-3. EAWF Tavira won the penalty shootout to lift the prestigious EuroCopa 50+ Cup. In a tough 60+ section EAWF Tavira and EAWF Olhão faced strong opposition from 1874 Northwich (Cheshire), Bilbao (Spain), SC Farense and Seaton Carew (Durham). The Durham side defeated SC Farense in the final. Whilst congratulating the victorious teams it would be remiss not to mention the team managers and particularly Jonathan Syed whose sterling efforts and long hours on the phone ensured that EAWF met all their commitments despite injuries and aging muscles! A tremendous tournament with all the teams playing within the spirit of the game and barely a bad tackle in sight. Some games were a bit brisk for the definition of walking football, but other games demonstrated good examples of how walking football should be played - fast moving ball; slow moving players. Last month FC Prostata from Denmark were joined by Voksenfodbold Halsnæs (Copenhagen) in making their third visit to play walking football against EAWF and even normal football against East Algarve FC. The visitors, who have all recovered from prostate cancer, enjoyed the friendly challenge and lively banter that has further cemented the bonds of friendship between the two groups. Non-contact walking football for the Over 70s now takes place on Friday mornings from 9.30 to 11.00am at the astro-turf pitch adjoining the SC Olhanense Stadium. The new concept involves no tackling and players are required to give their opponents two metres space; more a game of movement and angles. Several players who had previously played walking football but fear they cannot afford to be on the receiving end of bumps and knocks have found the new format beneficial. The group would also welcome slightly younger players who may be recovering from injury or surgery. www.walkingfootballalgarve.com