Inter Madeira Walking Football (IMWF) is a community- and international-orientated club dedicated to the sport of walking football on Madeira Island.
Our mission is to foster enjoyment, camaraderie, and physical well-being among our members. We warmly welcome everyone, including both international participants and locals from Madeira Island, regardless of age. Whether you’re keen on fun and conviviality or looking to improve your fitness, IMWF is the perfect place for you.
Our diverse group consists of players from various nationalities, including English, Madeirans, Scots, Dutch, Americans, Canadians, Austrians, Norwegians, and many others. We embrace this diversity and invite people from all backgrounds to join our club and be part of our inclusive community.
What is Walking Football?
Walking Football is a slower version of the standard game with specific rules where you walk instead of run. It is designed for everyone, regardless of their footballing ability, shape, or size.
This sport helps people get fit or maintain an active lifestyle, no matter their age or fitness level. It supports individuals in getting back into football if they have given it up due to age or injury, and provides an opportunity to meet new people and have fun.
What are the benefits of walking football?
Walking Football offers numerous benefits, especially for older adults. It improves cardiovascular health and helps with weight management.
The sport enhances bone density and muscle strength. It also boosts balance and flexibility, reducing fall risks. Mentally, it reduces stress and sharpens cognitive functions. Socially, it fosters community and friendships, combating loneliness. Being part of a team provides a sense of purpose. It’s low-impact, making it suitable for those with joint issues.
Walking football is inclusive, welcoming all fitness levels and ages. Overall, it’s a great way to stay active and connected. Have you thought about trying it?
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The Rules
Click here to know more about The Rules of Walking Football.
Why is Madeira Island?
Madeira Island is an ideal location for walking football for several reasons. Known as the “island of eternal spring,” Madeira’s subtropical climate makes it a great destination to visit all year round. The island’s diverse landscape creates dramatic micro-climates, ensuring you’re never far from sunshine, wherever you are. Madeira’s commitment to sports and well-being is evident through its support for walking football, making it a welcoming place for enthusiasts. The island offers stunning natural beauty, including famous levada walks and breathtaking views, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, the local community is friendly and supportive, fostering a sense of camaraderie among players. The combination of a mild climate, beautiful scenery, and a supportive community makes Madeira a perfect spot for walking football.
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Paradise Pedestrians Bring Cambridgeshire Spirit to Madeira in Walking Football Friendship Match
ELY, Cambridgeshire … A group of dedicated walkers from the Paradise Pedestrians walking football team traded the flat fenlands of East Anglia for the dramatic landscapes of Madeira Island this week, as they travelled to Portugal’s Atlantic jewel for a memorable fixture against local side Inter Madeira Walking Football. The friendly encounter took place at…
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From the Fens of East Anglia UK to Portugal’s Atlantic Jewel, Madeira
By Phill B.: Paradise Pedestrians are a walking football club based in ELY, Cambridgeshire, with a dedicated group of players both Ladies and Gents. They visited Madeira for 7 days being the first walking football Club from the UK to do so, they took part in 3 IMWF sessions on the 12th,15th and 17th of…
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Freedom Day Tournament Boaventura Madeira
On 25th April, Freedom Day (Dia da Liberdade) in Portugal — the anniversary of the Carnation Revolution — we returned to the Concelho de São Vicente in Madeira for a special Walking Football event at the Campo de Futebol na Boaventura. This was the same pitch where the first Taça de Veteranos final was played.…
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International Women’s Day
What a brilliant day we had celebrating International Women’s Day with our special Women’s Walking Football Tournament here on Madeira The event was wonderfully organised by ATARAM and Club 1° Maio, and it was a proper success from start to finish. Our Ladies Madeira Walking Football group entered two teams and they did us proud…
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The valley between that echoed with laughter
We enjoyed an absolutely wonderful and lively session with our brilliant Inter Madeira Walking Football Ladies – including our dedicated Ladies Madeira Walking Football group. The pitch was full of laughter and genuine joy as 13 fantastic women took to the field. It was especially touching to see a grandmother and granddaughter playing side by…
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Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Prosperous New Year! From all of us at Inter Madeira Walking Football (IMWF), may the coming year bring you endless happiness, cherished moments with loved ones, and vibrant good health. If you’re visiting beautiful Madeira Island, Portugal, we’d love for you to come and join one of…
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Mini Walking Football tournament
On 8 December, the Campo Municipal dos Prazeres hosted the 1st stage of the Regional Masters +45 Circuit, which also included a mini Walking Football tournament. 15 teams/groups Around 200 participants A Madeiran get-together lunch that brought together players, family members, official guests, organisers, club officials and some well-known figures from sport and local clubs…
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IMWF Christmas Dinner
Christmas vibes, great food, and even better company! The Inter Madeira Walking Football crew took over Indian Palace Funchal for our festive dinner — and what a night it was. Laughter, spice, stories, and a whole lot of holiday cheer🎄✨ Huge thanks to Mary Anne for snapping the moments that made the evening unforgettable.
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If somebody had told me 20 years ago that at the age of 60 I would be playing competitive football, I would have laughed at them. Here I am living the dream with a gang of new friends.
Stuart Greaves, 60