From George Best to Cristiano Ronaldo: Winchester Walking Football heads to Madeira

Winchester Walking Football’s latest tour has a familiar theme before a ball has even been kicked. Our only previous tour took us to Belfast’s George Best airport; this time, we arrive at Madeira’s Cristiano Ronaldo airport. Perhaps we should make airports named after footballers a condition of all future tours!

The trip began with a connection made last November, when Paul Reade visited Madeira and joined local team Inter Madeira for training at the Centro Desportivo de Madeira. That visit has now developed into a club tour, with ten Winchester players heading to the island.

The squad will train with Inter Madeira on Friday 18 September before taking part in a tournament at the sports centre on Sunday 20 September.

We’ll also proudly be “flying the flag” overseas for our sponsor, Winchester Mobility, whose support helps make our club’s success possible. Perhaps a Madeiran branch could be next? We’d certainly be happy to volunteer for a return visit to the opening!

Alongside the opportunity to meet fellow walking footballers and enjoy some friendly competition, the tour presents a new challenge: getting to grips with the local rules.

Club captain David Kirkby said: “It will be very interesting playing under ‘Madeiran Rules’; they don’t even play with a goalkeeper!”

It promises to be a memorable weekend of football, friendship and new experiences. Our thanks to Inter Madeira for welcoming us—we look forward to sharing the pitch.

As for the next tour destination, we may need to consult an airport directory before a map!