OlderShots European Glory!
Tony Raffermati, the Captain of OlderShots Walking Football team, is still pinching himself every morning to make sure that he is actually awake, and his mind is not playing tricks on him.
If Tony had been writing his own football fantasy, it would be a mirror image of what has just happened.
On the sunny shores of Cambrils in Spain this Month of May 2024, Tony led his Shots Foundation Walking Football team into battle at the Spanish Masters and not only won the coveted “Cuchara De Madera” Trophy but beat Barcelona twice (in their own backyard) along the way.
Just to add a few cherries on top, the former Aldershot Town shirt sponsor (Bridges Estate Agents) managed to score a goal as did Ian Dawkins (Hi Speed couriers) another of the clubs’ former shirts sponsors.
A 3-1 and a 2-0 win saw off Barcelona and the Shots remained unbeaten in ten matches over the tournament to deservedly earn the title.
Tony said “I still can’t believe it has happened; it truly is Roy of the Rovers stuff. I am so proud of all of my team and the whole adventure in Spain has been incredible. To reach over fifty years of age and still be living out your football fantasies is unbelievable for all of us older athletes, who are blessed to be given this opportunity to kick a ball around with our mates.”
The Event ran by “Walking Football Tours” had 28 teams from 6 different counties playing in the Spanish Sun over four days.
The OlderShots train on a Thursday night at Sam Cody School in Farnborough from 8-9pm and have two morning sessions on Tuesday and Friday at Frimley Lodge park 10-11am.
Contact: Mick Quinn for more details. 07810 100175 of info@mqst.co.uk
Article by Mick Quinn – Sports Therapist BSc (Hons). MSST dip ST
Back Row: Ian Dawkins, Tom Mc Manners, Les Tonks, Tony Mc Evoy
Front Row: Shaun Williams, Nick Yewings, Tony Raffermati, John Bouch, Chris Molloy.