San Marino Walking Football team at the 23rd Sadocco Memorial in Novara

A new experience beyond the borders of the Republic of San Marino, in a tournament of the highest prestige, for the Walking Football team recently set up by the FSGC. It was an opportunity to test themselves against far more seasoned and experienced sides who, like the Biancazzurri group, share a passion for sport and social interaction.

For the San Marino Football Federation this represents yet another milestone to celebrate with pride: in just three years since the launch of the project, the number of participants has more than quadrupled, from seven to over thirty. The success of initiatives like this, aimed first and foremost at promoting a healthy lifestyle as well as physical and mental wellbeing, is also driven by taking part in events and tournaments such as the 23rd Mauro Sadocco Memorial, held last weekend at the Novarello (NO) Sports Centre.

Now one of the benchmark tournaments on the Italian and international Walking football scene, it attracted 49 teams playing across eight pitches. Proof of its appeal can be seen in the presence of Cariocas Rio de Janeiro, a Brazilian team on their first trip abroad, as well as sides from the Czech Republic, Sweden, Hungary and the Basque Country. For the FSGC Walking Football team it was a concentrate of emotions and wonderful memories – as well as a demanding level of competition, given their involvement in the Over-50 tournament despite having an average age well over 60. Fully aware that results are the last yardstick by which to measure the value of this project, it is safe to say that everyone greeted with great enthusiasm and satisfaction – for example – Andrea Gualtieri’s goal.