East Algarve Walking Football recently provided stiff opposition for the Wales Veterans 55+ football team in Albufeira, where a full 11-a-side match was played by the newly formed East Algarve Football Club.
The Welsh National Veterans Team were in Portugal for a mini-tour, and the final match of their fixtures pitched them up against our very own EAFC side (basically EAWF players who think they can still run!).
Released from the shackles of having to walk, the EAFC team of many nations, including Swedish, Italian, Irish, British and Spanish players, trotted out with a spring in their step and at two stages found themselves leading against their illustrious Celtic opponents.
EAWF Team prior to the match
The Welsh Veterans came back strongly to win an entertaining game 5-4, with a lack of match fitness eventually proving EAFC’s downfall. We still managed a few beers with our opponents though!
The Welsh National 55+ Team before kick-off
EAFC skipper Charlie Cousins and managers Mark Fox and Eddie were full of praise for their team’s efforts. Charlie said “it was great not to hear the referee’s whistle every time you started to run!”