Saturday, 31 October, was another enjoyable day of Walking Football, this time on the neighbouring island of Porto Santo.
Organised by ATARAM, the annual tournament took place at the Estádio José Lino Pestana, bringing together players from across Madeira and Porto Santo.
According to the organisers, 11 teams took part, with six competing in the competitive category and five in the recreational category. Around 150 players participated, while the event brought approximately 500 people to Porto Santo, including family members, friends and supporters.
There was also a strong female presence, particularly in the recreational matches, which was good to see.
For Inter Madeira Walking Football (IMWF), it was an opportunity to enjoy some football, meet other teams and spend time together away from our usual pitch in Ribeira Brava.
Two IMWF Teams Take Part
IMWF entered two teams in the recreational competition, playing alongside SC Santacruzense, GD Estreito and USRB.
IMWF Team A finished second, winning three of their four matches and collecting nine points.
Their results were:
- IMWF A 2–1 IMWF B
- IMWF A 1–8 Santacruzense
- IMWF A 4–1 USRB
- IMWF A 2–1 Estreito
Team A had a difficult match against Santacruzense, who went on to win the recreational tournament, but managed to win their remaining matches.
IMWF Team B finished fifth, although three of their four matches were decided by just one goal.
Their results were:
- IMWF B 1–2 IMWF A
- IMWF B 1–5 Santacruzense
- IMWF B 0–1 Estreito
- IMWF B 1–2 USRB
It was good to see both IMWF teams taking part and representing the club.
Final Recreational Standings
The final standings were:
- SC Santacruzense – 12 points
- IMWF Team A – 9 points
- GD Estreito – 4 points
- USRB – 4 points
- IMWF Team B – 0 points
Congratulations to SC Santacruzense, who won all four matches and scored 24 goals.
In the competitive category, GRC Canicense won the tournament after defeating GD Estreito in the final.
GD Estreito also received the Fair Play Trophy in the competitive category.
Walking Football Is About More Than Results
Although everyone enjoys winning a match, Walking Football has always been about more than the final score.
For many of us, it is an opportunity to remain physically active, meet people and enjoy playing football without the pressures of a traditional competitive game.
It is also encouraging to see how Walking Football continues to bring together people of different nationalities and backgrounds.
The strong participation of women at this year’s tournament was another positive sign. At IMWF, we have seen the same enthusiasm through our Ladies Walking Football sessions in Ribeira Brava.
Whether someone has played football for years or is trying it for the first time, there is room for everyone to enjoy the game.
A Special Recognition for IMWF
In his report following the tournament, Elmano Santos from ATARAM made a reference to Inter Madeira Walking Football that we particularly appreciated.
He described IMWF as a club made up predominantly of foreign residents living in Madeira and acknowledged our role as pioneers of Walking Football in the region.
This recognition is important to us.
Madeira Walking Football was established in January 2021 by Phill Bellamy, Don Amaro and Wil de Jong, at a time when there was no established Walking Football club on the island that we could join.
Our intention was simple: introduce Walking Football to Madeira and give people over 50 an opportunity to remain active and enjoy football in a friendly, social environment.
Since then, Walking Football has continued to develop across the region, with more teams, more players and more opportunities to participate.
It is good to see that progress.
An Afternoon Together
Following the matches, everyone gathered at the Hotel Navigator Columbus for the awards ceremony and a social lunch.
The occasion included a dance performance by students from a school in Santa Cruz, representing its special education group and school club.
It was a welcome contribution to the afternoon and another reminder that events like this involve much more than the players on the pitch.
The lunch also provided an opportunity for participants, organisers and supporters to spend some time together before heading home.
Thank You to ATARAM and Everyone Involved
We would like to thank ATARAM, particularly Elmano Santos and everyone involved in organising the tournament.
Bringing together 11 teams and so many participants requires considerable organisation, and we appreciate the work that goes into making these events possible.
Thanks also to all the participating clubs for contributing to an enjoyable day of Walking Football.
And, of course, thank you to our own IMWF players who travelled to Porto Santo to represent the club.
We hope everyone enjoyed the experience, both on and off the pitch.
Come and Play Walking Football With Us
If you live on Madeira or are visiting the island, you are welcome to join us for a Walking Football session.
Inter Madeira Walking Football welcomes men and women aged 50 and over, regardless of nationality or previous football experience.
Our sessions are friendly, recreational and open to newcomers.
Where to find us:
- Location: Centro Desportivo da Madeira, Ribeira Brava
- Email: info@madeirawalkingfootball.com
- Website: madeirawalkingfootball.com
You don’t need to be an experienced footballer. Just come along and give it a try.
And Finally, a Proud Moment for IMWF
One of the nicest moments of the tournament came during the awards ceremony.
Inter Madeira Walking Football was awarded the Fair Play Trophy in the recreational category.
Fair play has always been an important part of how we approach Walking Football. We want people to enjoy the game, respect one another and feel welcome, whatever their background or ability.
Receiving this award from ATARAM was therefore particularly meaningful.
Michael, one of our IMWF players, received the Fair Play Trophy on behalf of the club.
A lovely moment to finish the day.
Well done, Michael, and well done to everyone who represented IMWF in Porto Santo. We’re proud of you all!
Source: Official tournament results and event report provided by ATARAM, Elmano Santos, 31 October 2026.
