The Journey 1 and Madeira Walking Football Club (MWF)
by Phill Bellamy
After the many years of friendship and visits, the bond between Don Amaro, Wil de Jong and myself (Phill Bellamy) has grown stronger. We met again in September 2019 where they suggested I look into bringing Walking Football to Madeira, in doing so I found there were no clubs on the island as it was an unrecognised sport.
When I moved to Madeira in November 2020 our project began.
Don worked on setting up the MWF website with Wil’s help, many months of tireless work for them but due to the COVID pandemic my contribution and work on the training ground could not start until the restrictions here had been lifted.
In early July 2021 (after advertising) we held our first training session on Parque Santa Catarina, Funchal, those who attended are still with us today.
6 local business sponsors were secured to cover the cost of the equipment required, bibs, banner (printing), balls etc.
At the end of August 2021 (after securing our first home base at Centro Desportivo Stadium, Ribeira Brava) we had our first “properly organised Walking Football training session”. These sessions are held on Monday’s at 09:30 – 11:00.
In September 2021 the Camara (Council) of Ribeira Brava invited MWF to put on a demonstration of the sport at their 14th anniversary of the Ribeira Brava sports complex, this proving to be a success, as we now have a second home base at Municipal Stadium, Ribeira Brava, where the USRB (University for Seniors, Ribeira Brava) now join us.
These sessions are held on Friday’s 10:30 – 12:00.
The attendance at both sessions continue to grow and long may that continue.
