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Borders walking footballers impress at Spanish tournament

27 May 2026 1 min read No comments General
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Gala Fairydean Rovers Over65s Walking Football team shone in the Spanish sunshine after picking up fourth place at a prestigious tournament in Mallorca.

After a slow start, they reached the quarter-finals where they beat Oxford United 2-0 before suffering a penalty shoot-out defeat to the Gibraltar National Walking Football team in the semi-final as they missed out in agonising fashion.

Another loss on penalties in the third/fourth play-off saw them beaten by Leyton Orient for the bronze medal.

Gala Fairydean Rovers Over65s Walking Football team shone in the Spanish sunshine after picking up fourth place at a prestigious tournament in Mallorca.
Pic credit: Gala Fairydean Rovers Over65s Walking Football team

Goalkeeper, player-manager and tour organiser Craig Douglas said: “What a week. There is a lot that goes on in the background to make this work and to be as professional as possible including kit, flights, hotels, internal transport and speaking with organisers where English is a second language.

“We had a great set of lads and it was a privilege to be part of the team. Not one argument all week and everyone had great fun but then got on with the games when the serious part started.

“It’s difficult to single anyone out because everyone deserves praise. Hopefully we will return next year with an Over 70s team, as well as an Over 65 side. We’d all like to thank the Jutlandia Family Resort for taking care of us and arranging activities.”

He added that the club are always on the lookout for new additions, saying: “We are all getting older at GRF Walking Football so new players are always welcome. It’s not just the exercise it’s about being part of a team and keeping the brain working.

“We keep hearing about dementia and this is a great way of keeping this at bay. We play every Monday and Thursday 2pm to 3.45pm. Any newcomers are welcome, just turn up and bring your boots.”

The squad clearly made a good impression in Spain, too, as they have since been invited to play Bray Wanderers in the Republic of Ireland and Nailsea in the south of England.

The GFR squad was: Jim McLaren, Dave Dewhirst, Craig Douglas, Ali Paterson, Norrie Kristoffersen, Peter Gaffney, Keith Kitching and Matt Bao.

Source: https://www.bordertelegraph.com/news/26091239.borders-walking-footballers-impress-spanish-tournament/

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