Since we started EAFC, which evolved from the very successful East Algarve Walking Football, we have seen our Wednesday sessions expand from very challenging (although enjoyable) beginnings to what we have today. We should not underestimate what we have achieved and this shows with the type of games and events that we are now involved in.
We can now field veteran’s football teams of all ages, ranging from our over 35 section right through to over 70s.
Recently, we have been approached by two teams, one from America and one from Estepona in Spain.
The US Veterans team is an over 55 squad but most are 60 to 65; they have won competitions all over America including the National US veterans cup. This week they won the Florida Classic beating Boca Juniors in the final. Some of their players have played for Benfica, Sporting, Aston Villa, Birmingham City and even NY Cosmos but others have only played local amateur football.
We will be playing a 7-a-side competition on Wednesday 25th March and this will be completed in the morning of Thursday 26th. Then in the afternoon, we play an 11-a-side game against the US Veterans. There will be trophy’s for the winners and there are 6 teams, 2 from us (Olhao and Tavira), 2 from the US Veterans, 1 from Lagos and 1 from Odiaxere. The Tournament is called the Lagoa Plus 55 – 1st International Senior Football Tournament 7 v 7 and the American organisers are hoping that this will become an annual event.
It will take place at the Estômbar Stadium (Home ground of Carvoeiro United and Sharks United).
Following on from this we have a team from Estepona in Spain visiting. This game is on Saturday 28th March and will be an over 45s 11-a-side game to be played either in Tavira or an available venue in the area.
We are also working on other fixtures throughout the year and will let you know as soon as they are finalised.
All events will be listed on our calendar page
Also, the new EAFC training tops that people have ordered have now been printed and despatched from the UK so should arrive this week.