Costa del Sol walking football team travel to Torrevieja eyeing Nations Cup victory

A Costa del Sol walking footballer is hoping to make it third time lucky when he takes to the pitch at an international tournament in Alicante province next week.

Simon Dunkley, who plays for Real Calahonda, has been selected for Spain’s squad competing in the Walking Football European Nations Cup, which takes place in Torrevieja from November 2 to 6.

More than 25 players were invited to trials in Torrevieja in September, with Dunkley among the 12 selected for the squad. Having competed in the previous two World Cups, where his team finished fourth and third respectively, he is now hoping to go one better. “I’m looking to win this one,” is his message ahead of the tournament.

Costa del Sol players selected for Spain

The squad brings together players from Malaga, Seville, Madrid and Alicante, with several familiar names from the local walking football scene. Dunkley’s Real Calahonda club colleague, goalkeeper Tony Gill, has also been selected, alongside Scott Cousins of Malaga WFC, who will take on coaching duties.

Mark Coleman, founder of Spain Walking Football, is another member of the squad. The team will be managed by former professional footballer John Crumplin, who played for Brighton & Hove Albion.

Walking football has developed a following among older players on the Costa del Sol, with clubs offering opportunities to return to the game. EWN previously reported on Estepona Walking Football Club’s search for new players in their fifties and sixties.

Mark Coleman,

International competition comes to Torrevieja

The European Nations Cup will bring together teams from across Europe, including France, England, Italy, the Netherlands, Wales, the Czech Republic, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Sweden, among others.

The competition features six age categories: men’s over-50s, over-60s and over-70s, and women’s over-40s, over-50s and over-60s. Matches will be played at Torrevieja Sports City, the venue that hosted the Walking Football World Nations Cup in 2025.

Walking football gives older players the chance to continue enjoying competitive football, with rules designed to keep the game accessible while retaining its team spirit and competitive edge. The sport’s growth has also been reflected in EWN’s coverage of Walking Football Spain Benalmadena opening its ninth season.

With international experience behind him and a place in Spain’s squad secured, Dunkley will be hoping to help the hosts deliver a memorable performance on home soil. Fixtures, team information and tournament updates are available on the official Spain Walking Football website.