They came from near-and-far; by plane, boat, rail and road but on arrival at the Estádio da Nora, Ferreiras, Albufeira, it was all about walking! The EuroCopa Walking Football Cup, organised by Algarve Football Tours, attracted teams from France, Scotland, England, Spain, South Africa and Portugal.
Over 300 mature players ranging from 50 to 80+ years-of-age donned ankle and knee supports and strapped up aged joints before embrocating muscles with liniment ready for two days of hectic competition at a sport that was only introduced to the Algarve five years ago.
Great strides have been taken in that time mainly due to East Algarve Walking Football, Browns WF (Vilamoura) and Lagos Strollers attracting teams to the excellent astro-turf pitches and stadia in the region.
The EuroCopa Tournament was split into two sections – 50+ years and 60+ years – and after a warm welcome from Gary Thomas, the action got underway.
It might have been April 1 but there was no fooling about by teams keen to unseat last year’s champions Sheffield United.
The team of Portuguese referees was joined by Heidi Emery from Sussex, who was returning for a second year, with her firm but fair control of games being warmly appreciated.
On the playing front, England was represented by Hartshill (Warwickshire), Cottingham (Hull), Clacton (Essex), Rushden (Northamptonshire), Brackley (Northamptonshire), Northwich (Cheshire), Fulham (London), Oxford and Sheffield.
From Scotland came North Lanarkshire Auld Gits WF whilst Aulany WF (Paris) flew the flag for France. Esquina Park WF (southern Spain) and Luso Africa (South Africa) completed the foreign line-up.
A strong contingent from Portugal included Benfica (Lisbon), Silver Coast Strollers (north-west Portugal), Lagos Strollers and Browns (Vilamoura). East Algarve Walking Football entered five teams across the two age groups.
In the EuroCopa 60+ Tournament, it was Brackley Sinners who took top spot from Brackley Saints, with North Lanarkshire in third followed by Aulany and EAWF Olhão. Lagos Strollers won the 60+ Bowl Competition with EAWF Tavira finishing as runners-up.
The EuroCopa 50+ Final between Sheffield United and Luso Africa was full of fast, skilful walking football, with the team from the southern hemisphere taking the lead in the first period. The Blades struck back to level and take the tie to penalties with Luso Africa edging home 2-1. Clacton Knights took third place with a 2-1 victory over Esquina Park, Spain.
EAWF Olhão were the best placed Algarve team in fifth place after a 5-0 win against French side Aulany.
After two days of intensive activity and 149 games, it only remained for Paulo Dias, chief of staff to the Mayor of Albufeira, to present the trophies and thank everyone for making the event an outstanding success.
The players and supporters then enjoyed a convivial BBQ where old acquaintances were rekindled, and new friendships made.
As one septuagenarian said: “The adrenalin rush is something that I really missed and to get that back at my age has taken years off me.”
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Crib in Olhão and Bowls in Cabanas
Not an early festive Christmas display but the ancient game of cribbage. Following the East Algarve Walking Football 60+ sessions on Tuesday morning, several players will be playing the 400-year-old card game which in the UK has been characterised as “Britain’s national card game” and the only one legally playable on licensed premises (pubs and clubs) without requiring local authority permission.
The venue for this fascinating and, some say, addictive card game is Pastelaria Reis Café, opposite the entrance to the José Arcanjo Stadium (behind McDonalds on the EN125), from 12 noon to 2pm.
You don’t have to be a walking footballer to join in and members of the public will be accorded a warm welcome. President of EAWF Chris Wright said: “We have had spin-off groups in horse riding and cycling, so crib is for those who enjoy a more leisurely and less demanding activity.”
In addition, on Saturday, April 20 an EAWF Bowls Day takes place at the Pedras Lawn Bowls Club, Cabanas. Places are limited but there are still a few vacancies.
For further details email: [email protected]
