The 5-a-side format of matches at Browns took place over two days in mixed over 50s and over 60 categories as well as an inaugural women’s over 40s competition where round robin matches decided which teams went on to play for the four trophies on offer in the knock-out stages.

In the over-60s, Olhão scored 11 unanswered goals in the round robin stages putting them into the draw for the Main Cup. A tight game against a Circuit 7 team in the quarter finals finished 1-1 and was decided by penalties in favour of Olhão. A scoreless semi-final against F.C. Farense lead once again to a penalty decider won by Olhão. A cagey final against Sporting Ramsgits finished 1-1 with Olhão clinching the title on penalties.

EAWF Olhão Captain Mark Cruddace accepting the trophy said; “It was an incredibly proud moment for me personally to lead the team out in this competition. Every player played their part. To remain unbeaten throughout the whole tournament and score every penalty taken against some incredibly tough opposition is a testament to the spirit within our squad”.

Managed by Stuart Meakin the Olhão side attributes its tournament success in part to a brand of walking football termed ‘fizzball’ where the ball is moved rapidly around the players to set up attacking opportunities.

EAWF is currently celebrating its 10th anniversary year and was the first club to introduce walking football to Portugal. It offers sessions for all abilities each week in Tavira and Olhão. For more information visit www.eastalgarvewf.com


Image: EAWF Olhão Over 60s players with trophy (from left to right Andy Smith, Mark Cruddace (captain) and Steve Maddocks)