The Journey 6 and Madeira Walking Football Club (MWF)
by Phill Bellamy
The 2nd Circuit of regional tournaments on Madeira started in Porto Santo in early November 2023, what a great time the 19 members of MWF who attended had, a kick about on the beach was also sublime in 24c sunshine. My thanks again go to Kate our events coordinator in organising all of this.
In early December the tournament in Calheta (Paul do Mar) again went well for our Fun team winning another trophy, this was sadly overshadowed by a member of the USRB team trying to influence the referees in their decisions but more importantly booing when the MWF team received their trophy, this didn’t go unnoticed by the organisers who reacted swiftly by telling all teams they need to abide by the rules or they will be severely punished.
The tournament in Machico in mid February 2024 was much better, the USRB didn’t attend (I don’t know why!)
In mid March the 1st International WF Tournament on Madeira was held at Campo do Maio, Funchal, 16 teams attended, 8 Competitive and 8 Fun, The Fun section played to the 3 F’s, sadly not so the Competitive section, it didn’t end well, the 2 final Competitive teams being disrespectful towards the referee and to each other, Ataram reacted swiftly by banning 3 players from the next tournament.
The tournament in Ribeira Brava in mid April went well, the Competitive team only just losing out in a 3rd place play off, the Fun team winning another trophy, things are looking promising and I am so proud of each and everyone of the group I have.
