What happens if it rains?

A little rain won't stop us! Football will go ahead in normal wet weather conditions. In the event of severe weather or unsafe pitch conditions, we'll assess the situation with the venue and keep everyone updated.

What footwear should I bring?

Please bring suitable football boots for the playing surface (plastic studs are fine) along with shin pads, which are compulsory.

What else should I bring?

We recommend bringing sunscreen and a light waterproof jacket or umbrella — Porto weather in October can be a little unpredictable, so it's best to be prepared for both sunshine and showers!

It's also worth packing a spare pair of socks, a change of clothes and something warm to put on between matches.

And most importantly, bring your team spirit and a willingness to have some fun, meet new people and enjoy a fantastic day of football!

Oh, and don't forget your country or team flag! We'd love to see everyone representing where they've travelled from, and they'll make for some fantastic group photos!

Will there be food and water at the venue?

Lunch will be provided on tournament day. Please bring a refillable water bottle and any additional snacks you might need throughout the day.

Can I take part in walking football if I'm playing in the main tournament?

Absolutely! Walking football is open to players from all teams, whether you've played before or fancy giving it a try. We'll share the timings in the final tournament schedule.

Are Saturday evening drinks included?

Saturday evening is completely informal and optional. You're welcome to join us at Europa no Cais from around 8:00 PM, with everyone purchasing their own drinks.

What if I need medical assistance?

Medical support will be available during the tournament. Please let the Level Up team know immediately if you feel unwell or suffer an injury. For emergencies in Portugal, call 112.

Who should I contact if I have a question during the weekend?

You can contact Helen from Level Up Sports Tours on +34 640 575 360. We'll also be around throughout the weekend to help with any questions.

All matches will follow the standard Laws of the Game, with the following clarifications and adaptations for our 8-a-side tournament.

General Playing Rules

1. Goalkeepers: Goalkeepers may leave their penalty area, just like any other player. Outside the penalty area, they cannot use their hands.

2. Penalty Area: All players may enter the penalty area and score from inside it.

3. Goalkeeper Distribution: Goalkeepers may punt, drop-kick or kick the ball from the ground during open play.

4. Back-Passes: Goalkeepers cannot pick up deliberate passes kicked to them by a teammate.

5. Free Kicks: Direct and indirect free kicks follow the standard Laws of the Game.

6. Yellow & Red Cards: Standard disciplinary rules apply. Two yellow cards in the same match result in a red card and dismissal.

7. Throw-Ins: Standard throw-ins apply when the ball crosses the touchline. Kick-ins are not permitted.

8. Penalty Kicks: Penalties will be awarded for applicable fouls committed by defenders inside their own penalty area.

Tournament-Specific Rules

• Team Format: 8 players per team on the pitch, including the goalkeeper.

• Match Duration: Each match consists of two 20-minute halves, with a 2-minute half-time break. A further 3 minutes is allocated for teams to change over before the next match.

• Offside: There is no offside rule.

• Sliding Tackles: Sliding tackles are not permitted.

• Substitutions: Unlimited rolling substitutions are allowed. Players must enter and leave the pitch at the halfway line, with the departing player leaving before their replacement enters.

• Points: 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw and 0 points for a loss.

• Group Rankings: Teams will be ranked by points, followed by goal difference, goals scored and then head-to-head results.

• Tournament Format: Each team will play the other teams in a round-robin competition. The top two teams progress to the final, while the remaining two teams compete in the 3rd/4th place play-off.

• Play-offs & Final: If a play-off or final ends in a draw, the winner will be decided by a penalty shootout.

• Fair Play: Respect for referees, opponents and fellow players is expected at all times. The referee's decisions are final.

Match Timing

Each fixture has a 45-minute allocation:

• First half: 20 minutes

• Half-time: 2 minutes

• Second half: 20 minutes

• Team changeover: 3 minutes

Total: 45 minutes per fixture.

These rules are designed to ensure a fair, enjoyable and competitive tournament for everyone. Please familiarise yourselves with them before tournament day!

Our walking football matches are designed to be competitive, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone, whether you're an experienced walking footballer or trying it for the first time.

General Playing Rules

1. No Running: Players must walk at all times. Running or jogging, whether with or without the ball, is not permitted. At least one foot must remain in contact with the ground.

2. No Physical Contact: Pushing, barging, holding, charging and sliding tackles are not permitted. Players must avoid unnecessary physical contact.

3. Ball Height: The ball must remain below head height. Deliberately kicking the ball above this height will result in an indirect free kick to the opposition.

4. Penalty Area: Only the goalkeeper may enter their own penalty area. Outfield players must remain outside it, and goals must be scored from outside the area.

5. Goalkeepers: Goalkeepers must remain inside their penalty area. They may distribute the ball by throwing or rolling it along the ground. Punts and drop kicks are not permitted.

6. Back-Passes: Goalkeepers may not pick up a deliberate pass kicked to them by a teammate.

7. Kick-Ins: When the ball crosses the touchline, play restarts with a kick-in rather than a throw-in. Opponents must remain at least 3 metres away.

8. Free Kicks: All free kicks are indirect. Opposing players must remain at least 3 metres from the ball.

9. Offside: There is no offside rule.

10. Corners: Corner kicks are taken when the ball crosses the goal line after last touching a defending player.

11. Discipline: Referees may issue yellow or red cards for misconduct, dangerous play or repeated infringements. A player receiving a red card must leave the pitch.

Tournament-Specific Rules

• Team Format: 6 players per team, including the goalkeeper.

• Substitutions: Unlimited rolling substitutions are permitted. Players should enter and leave at the halfway line.

• Footwear: Suitable football footwear and shin pads must be worn.

• Running Infringements: Running will result in an indirect free kick to the opposition.

• Fair Play: Players must respect the referee, opponents and fellow participants at all times. The referee's decisions are final.

Match Format

Walking football will take place throughout tournament day, alongside the main 8-a-side competition.

Match timings, duration and team arrangements will be confirmed in the final tournament schedule.

The emphasis is on enjoying the game, playing safely and giving everyone the opportunity to take part!