SPORTS NEWS

Algarve Spurs Supporters present a cheque to Amy Willis at Centre Algarve

ALGARVE SPURS FANS SUPPORT CENTRE ALGARVE

All the latest sports news from Charlie Wilding.

When Essex businessman together with collections and other initiatives, and lifelong Spurs a grand total of 2652.86 euros was recently fans Andy Mahoney presented to Centre Algarve to help with established Europe’s their important work. Amy Willis said, “we first holiday centre for those with special needs at Moncarapacho, little did he know what an important part the Spurs family would play in supporting the venture. Former England international Graham Roberts is the very active Patron - a few years ago he cycled from Malaga to Moncarapacho to raise funds – whilst other Tottenham stars including Harry Kane have contributed both financially and by giving their time. The Algarve Spurs Supporters are an officially affiliated group with Graham Roberts as their honorary President. They meet at the O’Pirata Bar, Albufeira whenever their north London heroes are ABOVE: Russell Browne and Stephen Hands take live on TV. Last Christmas a raffle and possession of a Glenn Hoddle signed boot to be auction raised nearly 2000 euros and auctioned at a future date are extremely grateful to the Algarve Spurs supporters who have helped us in many ways particularly during these very difficult times.” Stephen Hands, Russell Brown plus members of the group were on hand to present a cheque. Any Spurs fans wishing to join the group should contact: Stephen

Hands via email – sandphands@gmail. com or by phone (00351 938892377). www.centrealgarve.org

Centre Algarve Holiday centre for people with Special Needs

Holiday Centre for people with special needs. Set in the beautiful Ria Formosa

Nature Reserve and just 2 minutes from the pretty local village of Moncarapacho,

The Centre Algarve is mainland Europe’s only specialist holiday Centre which is fully equipped to allow people with special needs young and old to experience a wonderful holiday with their family or carers. www.centrealgarve.org

Nelson Semedo in the Wolves third change strip

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

PORTUGUESE CONNECTION

English Premier League Wolves boss Nuno Espirto Santo and a good number of the firstteam squad are Portuguese so it was no surprise when the club released their third change strip of maroon shirt with green trim, maroon shorts and green socks; modelled on the Portugal national team kit. This design comes after Wolves wore a green third kit inspired by Mexico, the homeland of star striker Raul Jimenez, last season. Wolves fans reacted with delight, ‘We are officially Portugal!’ In addition, João Lapa, their Rehabilitation Fitness Coach, who hails from Tavira and spent time at SC Olhanense, has been promoted to Assistant firstteam Coach. João has a degree in Physical Education, a postgraduate degree in Exercise/ Nutrition/Health and a professional Master’s in high performance sports (FCB). He recently completed an intensive management module at Lisbon’s prestigious EXS Exercise School and the Neuro-mechanical lab in Madrid. Last season Wolves reached the Europa League quarterfinals; the first time the club had qualified for a European tournament for 39 years. In 1953, Wolves was one of the first British clubs to install floodlights taking part in televised “floodlit friendlies” against leading overseas club sides between 1953 and 1956 in the run-up to the creation of the European Cup in 1955 and the first participation of an English club side in that competition in 1956. Wolves reached the quarter-finals of the 1959–60 European Cup and the semi-finals of the 1960–61 European Cup Winners’ Cup and were runners-up to Tottenham Hotspur in the inaugural UEFA Cup Final in 1972. The recent signing of Portugal international full-back Nélson Semedo from Barcelona, for a club record fee of 40m euros, means that Wolves now have ten Portuguese in their first-team squad. In addition, another promising youngster, Bruno Jordão, is out-on-loan at FC Famalicão.