Walking Football Spain Celebrates 8 Years

Walking Football Spain celebrates its 8th Anniversary this weekend, Saturday 7. The community has grown from a few enthusiasts to over 126 active players in Benalmadena.

The Costa del Sol non-profit football club, which is a meeting place for over-50s who love the game, reflects on the origins of its unique journey that has helped it become a cornerstone in the Costa del Sol sporting scene.

Barclays Bank, among others, promoted the idea of walking football 20 years back. However, it wasn’t until May 18, 2017, that WFS took root in West Malaga when an advert invited players to the Estadio Santa María in Las Chapas, Elviria. Among the first six attendees were Fred and Keef, with Fred famously nudged to join by his wife, who saw the advert and encouraged him to get ‘out from under her feet.’

The exponential growth of walking football in Spain

WFS had reached 24 players in its first year. Keef proposed that games be split between Elviria in Benalmadena Pueblo and the Polideportivo, due to limited pitch availability. One session was played at each venue. During the COVID-19 Lockdown, restrictions were placed on gatherings within local areas. This marked a turning point in the evolution of this club. This led to the formation of three distinct WFS clubs – Benalmadena, Benahavís, and Calahonda – each proudly bearing a logo that blends the Andalusian and Spanish flags.

Today, the WFS website (www.walkingfootballspain.com) serves the Benalmadena club, which boasts a diverse membership of 126 players aged between 50 to 80 from various nationalities. “Luckily, we don’t all show up at the same time!” The club makes a joke.

WFS Benalmadena, unlike other walking clubs in Spain, which compete in a league that includes matches up to Nerja and further, prefers an informal “turn-up-and play” approach. Teams are selected on the evening, so as to avoid lengthy travel.

WFS, which is celebrating its eighth birthday this year, looks to the future with optimism. The club invites those who live in Benalmadena, as well people passing through or over 50, to join them for the sessions that are held at Polideportivo Municipal on Mondays & Thursdays from 10.30am. Walking Football Benalmadena celebrates its birthday with a “Happy Birthday” to all members.