Wonderful 2nd Edition of the Walking Football League Tournament!
The second edition of the European Walking Football Tournament took place today, September 22nd, in the Bayer 04 Youth performance center in Leverkusen, Germany after the 1st edition of the tournament that took place in May 2022 in Breda, the Netherlands.
The day was a great success as 18 teams, consisting of players who are all aged 50 or older, brought back their competitive spirit to compete for the Walking Football League tournament in Leverkusen. This year, the tournament was linked with the 5-year anniversary of the Silver clubs of Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Germany. To celebrate this fact, there were additional events planned on the evening of the 21st and the evening of the 22nd at the Bayer Arena, which were thoroughly enjoyed by all participants.
Throughout the day, a lot of goals were scored, friends were made and finally a few beverages were consumed. Although the results were always on the mind of the players while playing, the tournament was also a great opportunity for the players to socialize and rediscover their love for the game.
Although it was about having fun the results will always have some importance and therefore EFDN is glad to announce that through their hard work, teamwork and great skill, the champions of the second edition of The Walking Football League Tournament is; Bayer Leverkusen A!
In second place was FC Schalke 04 and coming in third was Athletic Club Bilbao.
After such a successful day in Leverkusen the participants and organisers are looking forward to the next edition.
WALKING FOOTBALL LEAGUE PROJECT
The European Walking Football League is a tournament, initiated by EFDN and Partners that brings community-engaged football clubs in order to deliver a program that increases physical activity levels and improves social cohesion and inclusion for people aged 50 and more. In addition, the Walking Football League gives an opportunity to players to lead a physical and socially-active lifestyle in their European communities. One of the main goals of this project is to further develop Walking Football as a sustainable sport in Europe and raise the profile of the game.
PROJECT PARTNERS
- Vålerenga Fotball (Olso, Norway)
- Ferencvárosi Torna Club (Budapest, Hungary)
- Bayer 04 Leverkusen (Leverkusen, Germany)
- Rangers Charity Foundation (Glasgow, UK)
- Fundação Benfica (Lisbon, Portugal)
- Real Betis Balompié Foundation (Seville, Spain)
- FC Schalke 04 (Gelsenkirchen, Germany)
- Morton in the Community (Greenock, UK)
- Newcastle United Foundation (Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK)
