Spain Walking Football Contacts

‘ A CAPTAINS TALE – BACK TO BEING A CHILD ‘

My name is José Francisco Del Pino, but everyone called me Frank. I’ve always loved football—and like half the planet, when I was a child, I dreamed of becoming a professional footballer.

I started playing football very late – at the age of 30 – but it was still a real and unforgettable experience for me. However, the most incredible moment in my football journey came just four years ago, when I discovered Walking Football.

That first encounter with Walking Football was surprising, exciting, and eye-opening. My club is Málaga WFC, and through it, for the first time in my life, I truly understood what it means to be part of a team. Friendship, football, and commitment all came together. I’ve shared so many unforgettable moments – victories, defeats, travels, laughter, and time with amazing people who have become lifelong friends. It was exactly what I dreamed of as a child.

Later, some of those same friends believed in me enough to invite me to join the Spanish National Team. I had the honour of representing Spain in the World Nations Cup in England two years ago – and even more incredibly, they trusted me to be the captain. It was one of the most amazing honours of my life.

Thanks to everyone who made it possible. It was a true football experience – I felt what professionals feel, what it means to be part of a team, the power of commitment and friendship.

I don’t know what the future holds – whether I’ll keep playing Walking Football for many more years or not – but these last four years will always have a special place in my heart. And the friends I’ve made along the way will always be part of my life.

Walking Football has taken me back to being a child again – back to dreaming about football.