The inaugural Albufeira Cup in Walking Football for the over 50s attracted eight teams from the UK and the Algarve.
Manchester City Strollers (UK), Xcel Walton Strollers (Surrey, UK) and Soccer Olhanense Strollers (Olhão) each entered two teams whilst Browns (Vilamoura) and Boavista Strollers (Lagos) completed the line-up.
Played at the compact Bellavista Sports Centre, a good crowd of supporters were on hand to cheer on the mature players, some of whom were well into their 70s!
In both tightly-contested groups, it was the two Walton Xcel teams plus Manchester City Strollers ‘B’ and Soccer Olhanense Strollers ‘A’ who qualified for the semi-finals.
A closely-fought final saw Soccer Olhanense Strollers ‘A’ edge out Walton Xcel ‘A’, with Andy Smith scoring the only goal of the game.
Walton Xcel ‘B’ finished third with Manchester City Strollers ’B’ taking fourth place.
All teams were full of praise for the match officials and Gary Thomas (Algarve Football Tours) who organised the event. It is hoped that the tournament will become a firm annual fixture in the Albufeira sporting calendar.
Albufeira Walking Football Cup 2016 trophy presentation. Well done to all the teams competing in the first tournament. Hope to see you back in 2017.
To view more action action from the competition, visit the following links