Just 10 weeks after their initial session, the Soccer Olhanense Strollers Over-50s Walking Football group held their first Christmas dinner at Restaurante Sérgio in Olhão.
Thirty-five guests enjoyed a superb meal whilst a number of presentations were made to referee Gordon Linford, “fitness guru” Christine Wright, Øistein Løvoll for ‘Dive of the Season’ and Brian Caldwell who received an award for scoring the first hat-trick in a game.
Chris Wright announced that the first international game would take place in April 2015 when the UK team from Surrey, who were recently featured in the Barclays Bank TV advert, would be the opponents.
In addition, a TV company are reported to be interested in filming a documentary on the new sport, which has so many health and fitness benefits for those over 50 years of age.
A raffle and auction raised €150 for Centre Algarve, near Moncarapacho, which will be welcoming its first groups from two UK special needs schools in March.
Forty-four players have now signed-on and sessions take place every Thursday, from 9.30am to 10.30am at the José Arcanjo Stadium in Olhão (behind McDonalds on the EN125).
christopher.wright@hotmail.co.uk
Photo: Andy Mahoney, Trustee and inspiration behind Centre Algarve, receives a donation of €150 from Walking Football co-ordinator Chris Wright
Walking Football group announces first international game
