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Cyprus Men Over 50 in tournament at Wembley WF Xylofagou, 19/09/26

An excellent day’s work as a Cyprus squad affected by injury and absences remained unbeaten to win the tournament against hosts Wembley WF Xylofagou and a combined Aphrodite Wanderers/Polis & Latchi Lions team.  

Each team played two 15 minute matches against the two other teams. 

Cyprus started with a competitive 0-0 draw against Wembley before another draw (1-1) with the combined team, Malcolm scoring with an expertly taken penalty before we conceded an equaliser.

Cyprus dominated both the second round matches, cruising to a 3-0 win against Wembley with two well taken breakaway goals by Nik and a free kick from Malcolm; and then beat the combined team 1-0, Roger rounding off an excellent team move, in a match in which we created numerous chances. 

Despite being short on numbers, Ben rotated the squad with Dave playing out of goal in a couple of matches and an appearance for fitness coach Tony.

A special mention for injured Simon Mawdsley who made the trip to provide valuable support throughout.

Thanks to our hosts for the excellent hospitality at a super venue; to our opponents who played in a good spirit throughout; and to Tony Watson who worked very hard to referee all the matches single handed.

The Manager says “A superb team-bonding day, and excellent performances from all involved, playing and not playing! Despite being short of some players, due to holidays and injuries, we produced an excellent performance thanks to our teamwork, tenacity and skill. I was particularly pleased that we only conceded 1 goal, and managed to score 5! The group grows in confidence week by week, auguring well for the Euros.”

Results:

Cyprus v  Wembley WF Xylofagou 0-0 

Cyprus v Wanderers/Lions 1-1

Wanderers/Lions v Wembley WF Xylofagou 0-0

Cyprus v  Wembley WF Xylofagou 3-0 

Cyprus v Wanderers/Lions 1-0 

Wanderers/Lions v Wembley WF Xylofagou 0-0

Table:

WFiC Representative squad, 13 September 2026. Training session followed by two matches Cyprus Men Over 50 v ENAD Panthers WFC

First match, 15 mins each way. It was evident from the start that ENAD are a strong team and Cyprus worked hard to stay in the game. Antonis was called upon to make several good saves and ENAD keeper Ian to stop some breakaways. Cyprus seemed to gain confidence as the match progressed and reached half time 0-0.  Both teams made changes for the second half and ENAD’s persistence paid off when Andros gave them the lead with a good individual goal.  However, Cyprus remained calm and methodical and Rob pounced on a rebound from the keeper to score the equaliser.  Drew 1-1

Second match, 10 mins each way. Cyprus made several changes to the team but carried on in the same vein.  Both teams had chances and good saves by Dave for Cyprus, and Ian for ENAD, again ensured it was 0-0 at half time.  In the second half ENAD scored first when Kostas intercepted the ball in midfield and resisted pressure to score.  Later on Andros won the ball out wide and scored with a cross shot. Lost 0-2.

Thanks to referee Tony Watson and to ENAD Panthers for two very competitive matches played in excellent spirit. Thanks also to our venue Fair Game Sport Center.

The Manager says: “Another good workout/friendly against another local side. ENAD are a strong, well organised team, the ideal opponents for us in preparation for our trip to Spain. The results didn’t fully go our way, however the overall performance and team work were excellent. Again, some players were asked to play in different positions during the 2 games, and they worked hard to help the team. All in all, a satisfactory morning, as the squad continues to gel and bond.”

WFiC Representative squad, 6 September 2026. Training session followed by two matches Cyprus Men Over 50 v Polis & Latchi Lions WFC

First match, 15 mins each way. Cyprus dominated the first half and two good strikes by the blue bandana twins (Roger and Malcolm) gave us a 2-0 lead at half time. The second half saw Cyprus passing and moving calmly and Andreas rounded off a team move with another good goal. Cyprus won 3-0

Second match, 10 mins each way. Cyprus made several positional changes and at first were much less assured. A very early breakaway goal followed shortly by a well taken penalty put Lions two goals ahead. Cyprus made some changes and started to play better but were still 0-2 down at half time. Cyprus improved further, started the second half brilliantly and Andreas made the pressure count with a hat trick of excellent finishes within three minutes! The rest of the match was competitive as Lions established a way to play against us and Dave had to make a couple of fine saves. Cyprus were well worth the 3-2 win after an excellent comeback.

Thanks to officials Tony Watson and Tony Malone, to our opponents who played in an exemplary spirit and to our venue Fair Game Sport Center.

The Manager says:

“An enjoyable and useful encounter with our good friends from Polis and Latchi. I was particularly pleased with our tenacity and discipline in coming back from 2-0 down in the second game to run out 3-2 winners.
We are definitely moving in the right direction in our preparation for Spain, as you could tell from our passing, teamwork and desire to win.
Well done to all involved today.”

Squad with injured Simon Mawdsley; and Squad with Manager Ben Tumber (left) and Coach Nick Dowse & Fitness Coach Tony Hatton-Gore

Polis & Latchi Lions squad

WFiC Representative squad, 2 August 2026. Training session followed by two matches v Paphos United WFC

Two matches, both 30 mins (15 mins each way).

In the first match, the Cyprus team was comfortable in possession and dominant in terms of possession and chances created. However, the disciplined PUWFC team stopped us scoring  and the game ended 0-0.

In the second match  we started very strongly, forcing a succession of corners, and Simon Mawsdley scored an excellent goal after good team play. Shortly afterwards Petros Petrou finished well after being put through when we regained possession and we led 2-0 at half time.   Cyprus continued to press in the second half but PUWFC scored  a fine goal towards the end and the match finished 2-1. 

Manager Ben Tumber again experimented with players in different roles and it was evident that all the players were more familiar with the tactics and able to adapt to match situations.   Both keepers Tony Antoniou and Dave Chatterley performed impressively, each playing a match for both teams.

We are grateful to Paphos United for their excellent opposition in two very competitive matches played in good spirit. Thanks also to match officials Tony Watson and Mark Farnsworth and, as ever, to our venue Fair Game Sport Centre.

WFiC Representative squad, 5 July 2026. Training session followed by two matches v Polis & Latchi Lions

WFiC Squad: Antonis Antoniou, Barry Levick, Dave Chatterley, Kevin Reddington, Malcolm Newell (Capt.), Nik Peltekakis, Roger Bloxham

In the first match (10 mins each way) the team played the preferred 131 formation with some in-game variations in personnel and won 1-0 with a well taken goal by striker Nik Peltekakis.

In the second match (15 mins each way) the team played an experimental 221 formation to get used to a different way of playing. We took the lead when Malcom Newell scored, assisted by Roger Bloxham from a free kick. The match ended 1-1 after Lions scored with virtually the last the last kick of the match.

In both matches manager Ben Tumber experimented with players in different roles and everyone worked hard for the benefit of the team. It is fair to say the Cyprus team was mostly on top and made more scoring chances; although both our keepers Tony Antoniou and Dave Chatterley were needed to make impressive saves at times.

We are grateful to Polis & Latchi Lions for helping us prepare the squad by providing excellent opposition in two competitive matches. Thanks also to referee Mark Hignett and to our venue Fair Game Sport Centre.

WFiC Cyprus squad in Crete, 1-2 May 2026, Final day 

The Manager says:

Results: “An excellent day today. Lost in the ‘Mediterranean Battle’ 3-2. Then Drew 2-2, Won 5-1. Won 5-2”

Reflections:
“A great final day for Cyprus o/50’s . The first day had been very good, however, Saturday was a definite improvement. Having played together on the Friday, and getting to grips with the rules was a great help to the team. The formation was tweaked, and Dave Chatterley (normally a goalie ) asked if he could ‘play out’ (on the pitch) Dave was a revelation, and it was great to see his confidence growing as he played ‘out’ .

To put the icing on the cake, during our last game, he suddenly appeared up front ( he was playing at the back) and scored a goal! Unselfishly laid on by Simon Mawdsley – who could have scored himself to complete a hat – trick. A great moment for all the team, summing up the team spirit. To complete our day, Martin Joyce, also playing at the back, popped up to score a goal as well!

We ended the day with a meal and presentation evening. 4 teams had played in this friendly tournament, and each team was asked to nominate their ‘most valuable player’. We were all unanimous in choosing Rob Batchelor as the winner for Cyprus. His effort, attitude , team spirit , and the encouragement he gave the other players was top notch. He scored a few goals as well!

It could easily have been any team member who won this award, however Rob stood out. Even surpassing Dave, the goal-stopper turned goal scorer, as he celebrated his goal, running down the pitch, twirling his shirt overhead!”

WFiC Cyprus squad in Crete, 1-2 May 2026, First day

Manager Ben Tumber says: 

“The squad adapted well to playing together, and to the rules played by the Titans (the most alien rule being that you can only score inside the goal area! )

We got off to a good start, racing into a 3-0 lead versus Lymington. We then played both the Titan teams – Titan Yellow and Titan White. Both of these teams were of course used of the “Titan way”. We lost the game v Whites 4-3; we were 4-1 down at one point  and showed great resilience to fight back. Our last game was against the Yellows. We lost 5-2, being punished for some errors.

The Titan rules encourages goal scoring, therefore high scores are a common occurrence.

We go again today !”

English translation of the poster:

“WALKING FOOTBALL CUP – CRETE – 2026

THE BATTLE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN. GREECE vs. CYPRUS. Saturday, May 2 at 2:30 p.m.

May 1 – 2, 2026

Walking Football Tournament Titans Academy Stadium Stratos Saridakis in Kalyves”

Cyprus Over 50s v England Kicking Cancer, in aid of PASYKAF, Wednesday 29 April 2026

The series of matches between Cyprus teams and England Kicking Cancer came to a close with another two matches (both 15 minutes each way) between Cyprus over 50s and England. The Cyprus squad was much changed but the results were the same as Monday, with England winning the first match 2-0 and Cyprus gaining revenge to win the second match 1-0 (Cyprus scorer Mario Trinci). The matches were very tight between two competitive teams.

Cyprus Over 70s v England Kicking Cancer, in aid of PASYKAF, Tuesday 28 April 2026

The Cyprus over 70 team played its historic first fixtures against England Kicking Cancer. In two hotly contested matches (15 mins each way) the experienced England team won 2-1 (Cyprus scorer Nicos Antoniades) and 2-0. Cyprus players were proud to wear a special kit donated by the Cyprus Football Association.

Donate to PASYKAF: https://pasykaf.org/en/donation-page/ QUOTE WFiC

Welcome Ceremony and Cyprus Over 50s v England Kicking Cancer, in aid of PASYKAF, Monday 27 April 2026

See News page for an account of the evening’s events. In the football, England Kicking Cancer won a hard fought first match (20 mins each way) 2-0; after which the teams agreed to play another match (10 mins each way) in which the Cyprus Over 50s triumphed 1-0 (scorer Nik Peltekakis).

Matchday 6 and presentation of end of season awards 2025-26 (05/04/26)

Pre-match

Presentations

Mario Trinci (Chair, WFiC) made the presentations, assisted by Tony Hatton-Gore (Media, Digital & Relationships Director, WFiC). Tony thanked the management of Fair Game and the match officials who enable the league to take place.

Top Goalscorer Award

Congratulations to Andros (ENAD), who unfortunately could not attend due to sickness in the family – ENAD Captain Alan accepted the award on his behalf. Honourable mentions for Nik P (Pumas) who came with a late run of 4 goals on the final matchday to finish second and Andreas who scored consistently for ENAD to finish third.

Players’ Player Award

After each match the Captain is asked to nominate a Player of the Match (PoM) on the other team. Congratulations to Antonis (Tony) of ENAD and Dave P of Lynx , who jointly received the most Player of the Match nominations. Tony HG miscounted the votes on the day so we presented to Nik P of Pumas as well – OOPS!! Nik was actually in a 3 way tie for second spot with Dave J (ENAD) and Nicos (Tigers). Well done to all for consistently high level performances, recognised by your peers.

League Runners-Up: PUWFC Pumas

Mario presented medals to members of the Pumas team which performed strongly throughout the season

League Champions: ENAD Panthers

Ben Tumber, Manager of Cyprus Men over 50, took over to present medals and the trophy to ENAD Panthers, who led the table from matchday 2…..and celebrated!

FIFWA World Nations Cup 2025

Commemorative Dinner

WALKING FOOTBALL in CYPRUS (WFiC)

Venue: Yiannis’ Taverna, Kathikas Date: 28/11/25

This was a joyous celebration of the team’s achievement in reaching the tournament and performing so well at this global event – the first time Cyprus has been represented on the world stage in this rapidly developing sport.

The squad and management were drawn from three teams in the Pafos region i.e. ENAD Panthers, Pafos United and Polis & Latchi Lions.

In addition, Cyprus provided two referees for the tournament.

Guests included Kyriacos Cleanthous (representing the Cyprus FA and presenting awards), Andreas & Marina Menelaou (proprietors of Fair Game – the team’s home venue), the players and management team, our referees and WFiC representatives.

Pictures from the event below.

Presentations by Kyriacos Cleanthous

A message from the Captain

“I was extremely privileged to captain the team to our first venture into international competition. Walking football has given me an opportunity to play the game I love at a late stage in my life. I have met people from various backgrounds and walks of life and have gained
many friends in the process. The four F’s of fun, football, fitness and friendship is at the forefront of this sport in Cyprus and long may it continue. I would like to thank everyone concerned in making the World Nations Cup experience a great success.”

Malcolm Newell
Team Captain
Cyprus o50s men WNC 2025

A message from one of the players – Petros Petrou

Dear friends, teammates and guests,

Walking football has given me better physical condition, improved health, new goals, and above all, a true sense of family.  And this year, I lived something even greater:  For me, wearing the national badge and representing my country alongside my teammates and the people who support our team was an honour beyond words. It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment, an experience that will stay with me forever.

Thank you all sincerely for your support, your affection and the journey we share.

Thank you.

Petros Petrou

FIWFA World Nations Cup, Spain, 21-25 October 2025

WFiC is proud to have to have sent a Cyprus team to an international walking football tournament for the first time, competing with 15 other nations in the Men Over 50 section.

Alan Poulter, Roger Bloxham, Mario Trinci, Kostas Papaioannou, Petros Petrou, Ben Tumber (Manager), Antonis Antoniou, Mark Pountney, Ian Charlesworth, Malcolm Newell, Jimmy Leicos, Dave Chatterley. Not in photo: Marios Papageorgiou and Paul Frazer (Coach).

Training Camp

The Cyprus squad joined the England team and hosts Formentera Walking Football Club for a pre-tournament training camp (20 October 2025).

The Tournament – Opening Ceremony

The Tournament – Matches, 21-24 October

The Cyprus team impressed with their progress since being formed less than a year earlier and with their performances against some very experienced and high level opposition. They also made friends off the pitch and WFiC started to develop relationships with other nations. The last group match v Wales was an effective play-off for the quarter-finals, which the battling Cyprus team was unfortunate to lose 1-0.

Results
Cyprus v Morocco Won 1-0 (scorer Kostas Papaioannou)
Cyprus v Jersey Lost 0-3
Cyprus v Japan Won 2 -1 (scorer Roger Bloxham 2)
Cyprus v Canada Drew 0 – 0
Cyprus v France lost 1 – 6 (scorer Kostas Papaioannou)
Cyprus v Czech Republic lost 0 – 3
Cyprus v Wales lost 0 – 1

The knock-out phase was on 25 October and England beat Italy 1-0 in the Final.

The Manager said

“We were one game away from the quarter-finals of the World Cup….not bad for a squad only formed this year…..proud of them, Cyprus is now on the World of Walking Football map.”

Ben Tumber, Cyprus Manager

Other matches, 25 October

More photos

Referees add to Cyprus’ international presence

Cyprus provided two international referees for the second week of World Nations Cup (28-31 October 2025 in Spain). Mark Hignett is the Lead Referee for Cyprus and Tony Watson is honorary president of Paphos United WFC.