East Algarve Walking Football, mindful that some of their older players cannot afford to take risks with their ageing bodies, has introduced a fresh variant of the popular sport.
Although aimed primarily at the 65+ age group, this new concept is also open to anyone with mobility issues or recovering from injury.
With no tackling, players must keep at least two metres from the opponent with the ball. A two metres zone extending outwards from the goal area is for defenders only, thus ensuring that attacking players keep their distance when bearing down on goal.
Chris Wright, who introduced Walking Football to Portugal eight years ago, said. “We have a number of players in their late 70s and early 80s who want to continue playing but are aware that they cannot take the occasional knocks that occur in normal walking football.”
The sessions, which are open to both male and female players, take place every Friday from 9.30am to 11am at the astro-turf pitch adjoining the José Arcanjo Stadium, Olhão (behind McDonalds on the EN125).
Come and give it a try; the first session is free and thereafter €3 a week.
The 3-touch rule will also apply and means that this non-contact version of Walking Football will appeal to those who wish to maintain their links with the ‘beautiful game’ without the fear of physical contact. You are assured of a warm welcome with ‘fun, fitness and friendship’ being the main aims of the group.
