Budapest 2025
St George’s Walking Football 60+
Budapest International Walking Football Tournament
Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th July 2025
Over the weekend of 12th and 13th July, St George’s were privileged to be one of the teams in Hungary’s first international walking football tournament in Budapest. The tournament comprised of 8 teams from Hungary, England, Italy, Israel and the Republic of North Macedonia, split into two groups of 4, with round robin matches on the Saturday and then knockout games on the Sunday.
With late injuries and withdrawals St George’s travelled with just 7 players for the six a side competition. Particular thanks go to Bill Tiwana, a current England trialist, who joined the squad at very short notice. Over the two days, and in 30 degrees heat, St George’s small squad acquitted themselves excellently with two wins, two draws and one loss.
On the Saturday things started well for St George’s, taking the lead twice against Hungarian side Fehrevar with goals from Milan Mazic and Bill Tiwana. Disappointingly the team were pegged back by penalties seconds before half time and then seconds before full time that the Hungarian referee appeared to conjure up out of nowhere. This was to become a pattern of decisions that didn't seem to go our way.
In the second match St George’s dominated against the strong Italian side Fermana going in at half time leading 2-0. Goals again coming from Milan and Bill. However, a number of fresh substitutions at half time by the Italian team changed the tempo of the game. St George’s were punished heavily for a couple of mistakes and as the heat took its toll Fermana ran out 4-2 winners.
Needing a win in their final group game against Hungarian side MAFC, St George’s thought they had taken the lead just before half time. Graham Liddiard turned the Hungarian defender and smashed the ball in off the underside of the bar. However, as the ball bounced down it hit the back of the net and spun back into play. “No goal” was heard from the referee and he waved his hands for play to continue.
Fortunately, St George’s still managed to start the second half with a full complement of players! In what became quite a heated contest (with two sending offs and Milan having his flowing locks pulled) MAFC then hung on in the second half for a 0-0 draw and although St George’s won the penalty shoot out for the bonus point it was not enough and the team had to settle for contesting the “Plate” competition on the Sunday.
On the Saturday evening the hosts laid on a fabulous gala dinner at the training headquarters of Ferencvaros FC. This was an excellent event with great food and hospitality. It also gave the St George’s players the opportunity to take stock and enter the “Plate” competition with renewed determination.
On the Sunday St George’s produced two excellent performances to win the secondary competition. In the first game against Kiniszi, St George’s were always in control. Goals from Bill and Martin Wadeson led to a thoroughly deserved 2-0 victory. The final game was a return against MAFC and for the third time in five matches. On this occasion though, St George’s were not to be denied. In spite of another ruled out goal for Graham Liddiard and two more opposition penalties, some great saves by Tony Williams and two more goals from Milan ensured victory by 2 goals to 1.
Congratulations to all the St George’s players for excellent skill, effort and team spirit throughout the weekend. Tony in goal produced some top class saves (and a constant loud commentary) especially on the Sunday; Martin and Mark Munday (overcoming a knee injury) were solid at the back; Bill, Graham and Reg Walker controlled the games in midfield (with the added bonus from Bill of a couple of good goals and three coolly taken penalties); whilst Milan provided the flair and four great goals up front.
Thank you to the supporters - Isobel, Sharon, Surinder, Kim and Fiona - with a special mention to Isobel and Sharon who cheered the team on from the side-lines throughout two very hot days.
On reflection a fantastic tournament. Well organised, great hospitality, a very good standard of walking football and brilliant camaraderie amongst the St George’s players on and off the field.
Back row left to right: Mark Munday, Martin Wadeson, Tony Williams, Bill Tiwana.
Front row left to right: Reg Walker, Graham Liddiard (capt), Milan Mazic
