Spain has been chosen to host the World Cup of Nations October 2025 – The World Cup for Walking Football.
Two ex-pat enthusiasts originally from the UK but living on the Costa Blanca were determined to bring the games to Spain after the inaugural games in the UK last year when England won the over 50’s and 60’s cups with Spain coming fourth overall.
Mark Kavanagh, 58, and Mark Coleman, 59, have been playing and coaching Walking Football and have now won the bid to host the games for more than 60 countries around the world. Both coached at semi-professional and professional level with Youth teams and academy professional level in the UK.
The event is held every two years, the first one being held in the UK at St George’s Park in Burton on Trent last year.
Next year Team Spain will enter teams in the over 50’s and 60’s and women over 45. The age groups include 50’s, 60’s and 70’s for men and 45’s, 50’s and 60’s for women.
Along with Paddle, Walking Football is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK and Europe.
Organiser and campaigner Kavanagh Mark says: “This is a dream come true – we cannot believe we are bringing the World Cup of Nations and more than 60 countries to Pilar de Horadada here on the Costa Blanca. We simply love the game and wanted to bring the sport to as many people as possible – this puts us firmly on the map”.
As well as coaching Team Spain – which includes both Spanish and English players – Mark K and Mark C will be creating a team to organise the event which hopes to bring in thousands of people to Costa Blanca at the end of holiday season, filling hotels and restaurants.
The tournament, programme and games are now available for sponsorship – anyone interested should contact Mark at mkavanagh@live.co.uk
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For an interview with Mark please email mkavanagh@live.co.uk
or call UK 07859 008086 or Spain ±34 711 02 54 72
