CULCHETH walking football men’s team did themselves proud when competing in an international tournament in Portugal last week.

They only missed out on a semi-final place in the aged 50-plus cup section of EuroCopa’22 in Albufeira by losing to Clackton Knights on penalties.

The competition featured 20 teams from Portugal, Spain and England, with Culcheth finishing second in their round one group and then topping their round two group the following day.

It was the Culcheth club’s debut in the event, following on from two of their sides – over 50s and over 60s – competing in the Walking Football Association National Cup.

Walking football is for the over 50s and it is growing in popularity both here in the UK and overseas, with Culcheth Walking Football Club leading the way in this area.

Since forming in 2016 with just seven members responding to a notice in The Culcheth Arms, it has grown to a membership of over 35, with membership being attracted from Croft, Birchwood, Cinnamon Brow, Padgate and Thelwall as well as Culcheth and there is room for more.

Training sessions are on Tuesday nights and comprise of two games being played simultaneously, officiated by the club’s own Walking Football Association qualified referees.

The club is currently placed second in its North West league group.

For further information contact Yannis on 07774 922277 or yannis0131@yahoo.com