The Inaugural Lagos International Walking Football Tournament was held at the Clube Desportivo Da Odiaxere on October 14th and 15th, 2019, organised by our friends from Lagos Strollers.
Six over 50s and six over 60s sides played a league format over 2 days to decide the two trophies on offer, with sides representing the UK, Spain and Portugal.
The over 50s tournament brought together three East Algarve Walking Football (EAWF) teams in Olhao, Tavira and Sao Bras, plus Esquina Park Rangers and WF Spain from Spain and Celtic Reds (a team including ex-Liverpool players John Aldridge and European Cup Final scorer Alan Kennedy).
European Cup hero Alan Kennedy has been playing walking football twice a week on Merseyside for the past two years. He said: “It gets me out of my comfort zone.
Instead of having an extra cup of tea in the morning, I’m meeting people, talking to people, finding out about people and it has been very rewarding for me.”
John Aldridge’s illustrious career included spells at Liverpool and Real Sociedad as well as representing the Irish Republic in 69 internationals and scoring 19 goals.
The excellent Lagos Tournament resulted in EAWF Olhão winning the 50+ section, with Esquina Park Rangers, Costa Cálida, Murcia (Spain) taking the runners-up spot. The Celtic Reds took third place. Other positions were: (fourth) EAWF Tavira; (fifth) Walking Football Spain (Marbella) and (sixth) EAWF São Brás.
The winning Olhao 50+ team with their trophy. plus a couple of hangers on…. (L to R): Alan Kennedy, Gorgeous George, Mick Coleman, Andy Smith, Jon Syed, Paul Shawe, Paolo Turni, John Aldridge, yours truly, and Karl Chapman.
Action from EAWF Tavira 50+ versus EAWF Sao Bras 50+
EAWF Tavira over 50s
EAWF Sao Bras over 50s
In the 60+ section, the first day’s results were expunged as a team from Vilamoura were found to have fielded three underage players. The second day saw the delighted Geri-Atricks of Argyll (Scotland) win on goal difference from Browns (Algarve), with EAWF Olhão in third place. Other positions were: (fourth) Lagos Tigers; (fifth) Lagos Oranges and (sixth) EAWF Tavira.
Olhao 60+ team, who finished in 3rd place.
EAWF Tavira over 60s team
The final words go to Alan Kennedy: “The point about walking football is it brings people together and sometimes football can be secondary. It gets people out of their homes and that’s the same for former players, too. It keeps me agile and keeps me going. I’ve just had my 65th birthday, but I don’t feel that old. I am trying to get more people involved.”