The EuroCopa 65+ Walking Football Tournament returned to Albufeira this March, bringing teams from across Europe together for two days of competition, camaraderie and a slightly slower version of the game many grew up playing.
Organised by Algarve Football Tours, the annual EuroCopa walking football tournaments have become a regular part of the Algarve’s spring sports calendar. The 65+ category took place on March 23 and 24 and formed part of Albufeira’s programme as a European City of Sport 2026, a title that has brought a wide range of international sporting events to the area this year.
The matches are played in a 7-a-side format over two days, with a trophy presentation at the end of the tournament. Walking football follows traditional football rules with one key difference: players must walk, not run. The sport has grown quickly in recent years, particularly among older players who still want the competition and social side of football without the physical strain of the full game.
The tournament is typically held in Albufeira, often at the Estádio Nora in Ferreiras, and attracts teams from multiple countries who travel to the Algarve specifically to take part. Many of the teams stay locally as part of organised sports travel packages, which combine matches with accommodation and social events, turning the competition into a few days away rather than a tournament.
What stands out when watching walking football for the first time is how competitive it still is. Despite the no-running rule, the matches are fast to watch, highly tactical and often surprisingly intense. There is also a strong sense of humour around it. Players know exactly what it looks like from the sidelines, but they also clearly still want to win.
Events like this are another example of the Algarve’s long relationship with international sport. From professional training camps to amateur tournaments and veteran competitions, the region has built a reputation as a place where sport and tourism meet, particularly in the months outside peak summer season.
For many of the players, the EuroCopa tournament is not just about football. It is about staying active, travelling with teammates and continuing to play the sport they have probably been part of for most of their lives. And judging by the atmosphere on the pitch, the competitive spirit does not disappear with age.
GET MORE WALKING FOOTBALL NEWS HERE: https://walkingfootball.com/blog
Author: The Walking Football
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