Browns Sports & Leisure Club in Vilamoura hosted the fourth edition of the Algarve Walking Football Cup with a record-breaking entry of 32 teams in two age categories, 50+ and 60+. Over 300 mature competitors competed in over a hundred games.
In the major trophy competition, Olhão (East Algarve Walking Football) retained their title in the 50+ section in a closely fought final with a single goal victory against Carnoustie Panmure (Scotland).
Three Scottish clubs also reached the finals of the Plate, Bowl and Wood 50+ competitions. Canterbury (Kent) won the Plate Final after a penalty shootout with Oriam from Edinburgh, who use Scotland’s Sports Performance Centre at Heriot Watt University. In the Plate Final, it was Heart of Midlothian who slotted home their penalties to edge out Tavira (EAWF) whilst Sheffield Wednesday took home the Wood Trophy after a 1-0 win against Ayr United.
In the 60+ section, Ormskirk South (Lancashire) were victorious with a single goal in the final against Heart of Midlothian whilst the Plate Trophy was won by Tullibody Reds (Alloa, Scotland) after a penalty shootout against hosts Browns.
Other 60+ trophy winners were SC Cambuur (Netherlands) who lifted the Bowl whilst the Dutch club’s fourth team overcame Olhão 60+ (EAWF) in the Wood Final after yet another penalty shootout.
All teams played with respect for their opponents and a common understanding of love for “the beautiful game”. It is the spirit of friendship found at these tournaments which has allowed walking football to evolve so rapidly over recent years.
The next tournament is the Olhão International Walking Football Tournament at the Olhão Municipal Stadium on November 15/16. www.walkingfootballalgarve.com
