What It’s Really Like Playing Walking Football in Madeira
If you’ve ever played football at the Centro Desportivo da Madeira in Ribeira Brava, you’ll know what I mean.
You’re on the pitch, catching your breath between plays, when you look up and see those enormous green mountains rising towards the clouds. Turn around, and the valley stretches away towards the Atlantic Ocean.
For a moment, you almost forget about the football.
It’s quite a place to kick a ball around. And even after playing here regularly, the scenery never really gets old.
Bem-vindos à Madeira! Welcome to football with a rather spectacular backdrop.
Football Without the Running? Absolutely!
Now, if you’ve never heard of walking football, you might be wondering how football works when nobody is allowed to run.
Surprisingly well, actually.
The basic idea is simple. No running, no tackling, no physical contact and no goalkeepers. The ball stays below head height, and players must always keep at least one foot on the ground.
At Inter Madeira Walking Football (IMWF), we also use a three-touch rule to keep the ball moving and encourage teamwork.
Sounds easy?
Come and give it a try!
Without the sprinting and physical challenges of traditional football, the game becomes more about positioning, passing, anticipation and thinking a little quicker than the person opposite you.
And yes, there’s still plenty of friendly competition, the occasional terrible pass and a good deal of laughter.
The best part is that people in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond can enjoy playing together, whatever their previous football experience.
Some of us played football years ago. Others have hardly kicked a ball in their lives.
It really doesn’t matter.
More Than Just Football
Of course, the football is only part of what brings us together.
Living on an island like Madeira has many advantages, but making new friends isn’t always easy, particularly when you’ve moved here from another country or recently retired.
That’s where walking football makes a difference.
Our group brings together Madeirans, people who have made the island their home, and visitors from different parts of the world.
Different nationalities, different languages, different backgrounds.
But once we’re on the pitch, none of that really matters.
A good pass gets a nod of appreciation. A missed opportunity usually gets a laugh. And when someone scores a particularly nice goal, everyone knows about it!
You don’t need to speak perfect English or Portuguese to feel part of the group.
Football has a way of bringing people together without too many words.
And over time, the familiar faces on the pitch become friends.
And Then There’s the Poncha!
Anyone who knows Madeira will understand that a good social gathering doesn’t necessarily end when the activity finishes.
Walking football is no exception.
After a session, some of us stay for a coffee and a chat. On other occasions, we might head towards Serra de Água and stop at Taberna da Poncha.
A little refreshment, a few stories and perhaps some friendly discussion about who should have passed the ball instead of trying to score.
É a nossa ponchinha!
Of course, nobody is obliged to join the social side, but it’s often where friendships grow beyond the football pitch.
Sometimes the conversations have nothing to do with football at all.
And that’s rather nice.
Keeping Things Friendly, Simple and Safe
One thing we’ve always wanted to preserve at Inter Madeira Walking Football is the informal atmosphere.
We’re not trying to build a professional football club.
There are no high-pressure league ambitions, no complicated expectations and certainly no need to prove how good you once were at football.
We simply want people to enjoy themselves, stay physically active and feel welcome.
That doesn’t mean we take safety lightly.
Walking football is designed to be a lower-impact alternative to traditional football, but like any physical activity, it still requires care and common sense.
Some of our members have also completed basic first aid and CPR training, including the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).
It’s one more way of looking out for each other.
Because at the end of the day, the people matter more than the football.
A Different Way to Experience Madeira
Madeira is famous for its mountains, levada walks, dramatic coastline and wonderful climate.
But there’s another side to the island that visitors sometimes miss.
The people who live here.
Joining a walking football session is a chance to meet some of them, share a few laughs and experience something beyond the usual tourist attractions.
You might arrive as a visitor who simply wants to play a little football during your holiday.
You might leave having made a few new friends.
And perhaps with an invitation to join us again next time you’re on the island.
That’s the sort of thing we enjoy most.
Come and Join Us!
Whether you live on Madeira, have recently moved here or are visiting for a few days, you’re very welcome to join us.
You don’t need to be particularly fit, and you certainly don’t need to be a brilliant footballer.
Just bring comfortable sports clothing, suitable footwear, a little enthusiasm and a sense of humour.
We’ll take care of the rest.
And don’t forget to look up occasionally.
Those mountains are worth it.
About Inter Madeira Walking Football (IMWF)
Founded in January 2021, Inter Madeira Walking Football is a friendly, community-led group based on Madeira Island, Portugal.
We welcome men and women aged 50 and over, regardless of nationality, football experience or fitness level.
Our focus is on staying active, enjoying the game, making friends and sharing the pleasure of living on or visiting this beautiful island.
📍 Where we play:
Centro Desportivo da Madeira, Ribeira Brava, Madeira Island, Portugal.
⚽ Who can join:
Anyone aged 50+, including local residents, expatriates and visitors to Madeira.
📧 Contact:
info@madeirawalkingfootball.com
🌐 Website:
www.madeirawalkingfootball.com
Come for the football. Stay for the friendship. And perhaps a poncha afterwards!
