Walking Football Beach Festival

Posted on by East Algarve Walking Football

A recent study has pinpointed nine factors that contribute to the risk of dementia and two of those risks, physical inactivity (4%) and social isolation (3%), are tackled head-on by the seventy members of the East Algarve Walking Football group. Weekly sessions at Olhão and Tavira together with a variety of social events and spin-off activities such as cycling and horse riding prove popular. The first Mike Wreford WF Beach Festival, in honour of founder member Mike who tragically passed away earlier this year following a brave battle with lung cancer, was held on Armona Island. Over eighty players, officials and families enjoying a multitude of fun activities – beach soccer, volleyball and rounders – although underwater petanque sunk without trace! Mike’s brother-in-law and nephew, Graham and Toby Keepence flew over especially for the event and presented the MIKE WREFORD WF NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR AWARD.


Mike’s two sons, Joel and Pat, sent the following message:

We love the idea that frolicking is one of the main draws!  Honestly, it’s such a great idea and couldn’t be more of a fitting tribute to Dad. We are genuinely grateful to you and the whole crew out there for keeping his memory going. I know you know what a legend he was but for us, it’s incredibly touching to see how well liked he was out there and how much fun you guys are going to have in his honour. Lounging around on the beach was Dad in his element (or his office as he liked to call it) so there’s literally no better way to celebrate him. I know we have all shared happy memories on that island with him so really the only downside is that he won’t be there to get involved, I know he would be at the bar asking for a pound out the till and dancing with his thumbs out!

Free Yoga Sessions

Posted on by East Algarve Walking Football

Yoga and Mindfullness with Lucy

(Yoga Instructor, Yoga and Mindfullness Therapist)

Lucy is offering yoga sessions for free at 10.00 am on Thursday July 27th in the Black Anchor Irish Bar, Tavira, and also during the Mike Wreford Beach Festival that afternoon.

She says “Come and join me for 90 minutes of Mindful Yoga practice. Discover which areas of your body you are holding on to and experience release in them. Engaging your muscles and softening those tight areas bringing about feelings of lightness and revitalisation. Moving with your breath and settling into your body, the practice will be slow but strong and suitable for beginners and those with experience. Aimed to bring awareness to your mind and body connection but with a sense of fun! Concluding with a deep yogic relaxation leaving you feeling restored and refreshed”

As mentioned, both sessions are free, but please bring your own yoga mat. Hope to see a few of you there!

Two European matches at the Estadio do Algarve this week

Posted on by East Algarve Walking Football

There are two European Club Qualifying games at the Estadio do Algarve this week.

First up, tonight (4th July) at 6.30 pm sees College Europa (from Gibraltar) take on TNS (of Wales) in the Champions League First Qualifying Round, second leg. College Europa won the first leg in Wales 2-1.

Then on Thursday (6th July) Lincoln Red Imps (of Gibraltar) take on AEK Larnaca in the Europa League Qualifying first round (kick-off 9 pm). Larnaca lead 5-0 from the first leg.

Event on June 21st cancelled

Posted on by East Algarve Walking Football

Unfortunately due to lack of interest from the opposition (including some concerns over the hot weather), tomorrow’s (Wednesday June 21st) kick-about against the Hairy Biker’s brigade has been cancelled. Please accept our apologies for this inconvenience and disruption to your week and we thank you once again for your commitment to playing for the Olhao/Tavira teams. Thursday’s session in Olhao will proceed as normal, so see you all there….