Walking Footballers finish third at VfL Wolfsburg

The VfL Bochum 1848 Walking Footballers have been active for around three years. Every player has invested a lot of joy and passion in the sport and in being together. Many special experiences have already been shared, and everyone’s expectations have been exceeded by far.

“We are more than just a bunch of Walking Football players,” is the common message of the squad. Last week, the team played a tournament at VfL Wolfsburg. Together with eight other teams, the Walking Footballers competed at the topflight club’s Volkswagen Arena.

Having arrived the day before, the Bochum players were given the opportunity to take part in a guided stadium tour followed by cosy evening including the tournament’s group draw. Stepping onto the Bundesliga turf with the view into the wide round and the imagination of 30,000 fans present was very impressive for those involved.

A nice detail: The ten participating teams were allowed to enter individually, with club flags and scarves, and with appropriate music – “Bochum” by Herbert Grönemeyer. After the official welcome by former Bundesliga player Roy Präger, the tournament started with two preliminary groups of five. The Blue and Whites made it through the preliminary round undefeated. The 3-1 victory over Spvg Steinhagen, the eventual tournament winners, deserves special mention.

In summery temperatures, the sun burned mercilessly on the two pitches. So, all teams spent a lunch break on the shady side of the stadium or in the changing rooms.

In the knock-out stages, VfL beat the clear favourites Bayer 04 Leverkusen 3-1. In the end, only one game was lost, against the newly won friends from FV Wannsee with 2-1.

The Walking Footballers would like to thank VfL Wolfsburg for their caring support, hospitality, and the opportunity to compete at an exceptional venue. All players took part and finished in an excellent third place.