Successful visit EFDN and PSV at Benfica
On 17 September 30 trainers of Benfica came to the Estadio da Luz to learn more about the European Legends project and the Walking Football methodology. EFDN CEO Hubert Rovers presented the complete project with all phases of the project.
The trainers of Benfica also attended a training from Harm Oppers, Walking Football trainer of PSV Eindhoven, in order to get acquainted with the way Walking Football or Walking Sports is introduced and trained to 50+ people. All the coaches reacted very enthusiastic. As simple as the concept may be, they immediately saw the impact and the possibilities of this ‘new’ type of sports. Also in Lisbon European Legends now experienced its kick-off
Walking Football and Walking Sport are meant for people of 50 years and older that until recently where out of reach for grassroots sport clubs and sport based community organisations. While this method is very successful in England and the Netherlands, the Walking Football and Walking Sport methodologies are still unknown in most parts of Europe. Therefore, the project will not only get the direct participants active again but we will also produce a Walking Football and Walking Sport practitioners guide that sport clubs, community organisations and sport governing bodies from all parts of Europe can use to implement this methodology in their own region and inspire thousands of others.
No less than 13 clubs from 7 countries have embraced the project. The participants are already training every week – every time after a nice chat over a cup of coffee, to get to know each other – and yet there have been tournaments at Fulham, PSV and KAA Gent. The European Legend project ends with a national and international championship, but it seems clear that Walking Sports is here to stay, because all the participants really enjoy being there again; on the pitch, playing their favourite sport.
On 27 September Benfica Foundation organises a tournament for people of 50+, who no doubt will be happy and grateful they can play their beloved sports again.
