Peña Compadres 6 - Benamiel 1

Not a very pretty match, but the Peña Compadres team worked hard against the keen visitors team from Benalmádena to get a convincing win. Well done.. this puts us back to joint second in the league going into the Christmas break!

Half time: 2-0
Full time: 6-1
Goal scorers: German (2), Javi, Sergio (2), John

John scores against Benamiel!

¡Qué golazo de Javi vs Benamiel!

John has a shot from the centre of the park!

Alhaurín 2 - Peña los Compadres 2

An early start in Alhaurin didn't seem to suit the Peña los Compadres Alevin A team on Saturday 12th December.  After a good first ten minutes which put them one ahead, the pure hard work of the home team eventually led to a 2-2 draw, although some might argue that the second Alhaurín goal came from a penalty shouldn't have been given.  A strange weekend of football not just in the Alevin A league, but also in the English Premiership Man Utd lost 1-0 to Aston Villa at Old Trafford, and Everton drew 3-3 with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.  This just goes to show that anything can happen in football.  Good luck with your next match Compadres and well done for earning a point in a difficult match.  At least we managed to get a goal on video - click on the You Tube image below!
Half time : 1-2
Full time : 2-2
Goal Scorers : Germán, John

John scores with his left foot against Alhaurin.

John and family receive a shirt from Sevilla FC president, Sr. Del Nido

Familia Wallace from www.sevillafc.es on Vimeo.

John meets Del Nido, who surprises the Wallaces with a gift.

John was invited to meet and shake the hand of Sevilla FC President, José María del Nido, at half time.  He kindly presented the Wallace family with their very own own personalized shirt at the Parca. John's grandfather Jock Wallace used to be the manager of Sevilla CF, and also Glasgow Rangers, the visiting team. We are waiting to receive the official photograph, but in the meantime, here is John's grandmother and family friend, Stuart Chipres, holding up the shirt.  The shirt is now proudly hanging up on John's bedroom wall near his trophy and medal collection!
This presentation was very special - not least because Del Nido was also very busy that evening looking after VIP guests, Hollywood actors Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz.  They also received personalized football shirts, but we think the Wallace one is the best one!

John writes about the match - Sevilla FC vs Rangers

John writes about the visit to see Sevilla FC vs Glasgow Rangers

On the 8th december 2009 me and my lovely family drove up to Sevilla to watch the game which was Sevilla vs Rangers. This game didn't really mean anything for Rangers because they can't even qualify for the Europa league but for Sevilla it was actually a big game because they obviously would like to finish 1st in the group. Me and my family stayed in an amazing hotel which was right next to the Sevilla stadium which is called Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. My seventy two year old Grandmother was the wife of Jock wallace, Jock Wallace used to manage both teams. My Grandmother didn't really come down so that Rangers could win but she came down because Jock Wallace used to manage both teams. Our 1st night in the hotel was alright. Next morning we got up and we decided to go to see Ally McCoist for a quick drink and chat and also some lunch. When we got to the hotel the 1st  person I saw was Madjid Bougherra. When we went to see Ally I saw Nacho Novo. I also met him at Ibrox when it was my 1st game that I have watched in a stadium it was Rangers 3-2 Manchester City. Anyway when I peeked my head out over the corner I saw Kenny Miller.  When I sat down and had lunch I saw Kris Boyd he was also sitting down relaxing for the big game tonight.

The stadium soon fills up!

John looks on as the crowds start to arrive - even Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes and Cameron Diaz came along!

Arrived at Estadio Ramón Sanchéz Pizuan - at last!

After a great day in Sevilla, The Wallace finally get to the main event and raise the Wallace tartan flag at the Sevilla CF stadium, while watching the players warm-up.

John meets Madjid Bougherra

A quick pose with Rangers tall man Madjid Bougherra !

John meets Nacho Novo .... again!

John meets Glasgow Rangers star Nacho Novo.... again! A very nice man, he was happy to have another photo taken with John at the hotel where the Glasgow Rangers team were staying in Sevilla. Last time was at Ibrox Park in Glasgow.

Soaking up the atmosphere at the Sevilla vs Rangers match

John and Steffi with Ally McCoist

John and Steffi got the chance to ask a few questions of their own to assistant manager of Glasgow Rangers (and Question of Sport master!) Ally McCoist.

Peña los Compadres 7 - Torremolinos 1

A solid performance by Peña Compadres to give them a convincing win over a Torremolinos team that worked hard and threatened to score on more than one occasion.  The left footed volley shot by John opened the scoresheet 5 minutes from kick-off.  Some great teamwork followed, which led to some spectacular goals, including two from Juampe.  Well done, lads.... keep it up!
Half time : 3-1
Full time : 7-1
Goal scorers : John, Sergio (2), Juampe (2), Manzano, Miguel

San Pedro 1 - Peña los Compadres 2

A very tight match between two strong teams, who both put on an exciting display of football, including several attempts hitting the woodwork. John's first half goal gave the visiting Compadres team an all important early lead. However, San Pedro soon equalized just before half time.  In the second half, Sergio Esteban (welcome back!) pushed through a classic, perfectly weighted pass through for John, which he slammed into the right hand corner of the net to go 2-1 up. Thanks to some great saves by goalies of both teams, there was no further score, and it has to be said that Benitez's spectacular save in the last few minutes of the match secured these very important 3 points for the Peña Compadres team to keep them in contention.
Half time: 1-1
Full time: 1-2
Goals: John (2)

Sergio Esteban back in training

Peña los Compadres star striker Sergio Esteban has started some gentle training after four weeks recovering from an ankle injury.  He has been dearly missed by the team, and we are all looking forward to seeing him back to full form soon and wish him all the best.

Peña Compadres 1 - Atl. Estación 3

A great match contested by two strong teams.  The Peña Compadres goal was the result of an outstanding effort, beautifully orchestrated between German, Jorge and converted by John. Both teams had their fair share of the ball, and until 10 minutes before full time it looked likely that the new Peña Compadres format with 3 in midfield was going to get them back to 2-2, but unfortunately it wasn't to be, and the league leaders Atl. Estación got two late goals to take the 3 points. Congratulations to both sides for pùtting on an entertaining and skilful football game, a pleasure to watch.

Half time score : 0-1
Full time score : 1-3

Goal : John

Remind you of anyone?

At first glance it looked like a match between Scottish rivals, Glasgow Rangers (blue noses!) and Celtic in their green hooped shirts. John Wallace's grandfather, who had two periods as manager of Rangers would certainly have been proud of his namesake's performance in this tough league match.
Unfortunately yesterday's Glasgow Rangers defeat by Stuttgart means they are out of the Champions League, but still at the top of the Scottish Premier League.
Nevertheless, John is still looking forward to going to watch them play against Sevilla on 9th December.

Marbella Paraíso 5 - Peña los Compadres 1

With three first team players out of action, this was always going to be a tough match.  A strong second half performance from the home team saw the scoreline quickly change in their favour when they converted three corners.

Half time : 2-1
Full time : 5-1
Goal scorer : Jorge

Peña Compadres 3 - Tiro Pichón 0

A tidy performance by the Compadres team, who dominated the game for the most part despite a strong effort by the visitors from Tiro Pichón, including a couple of great saves by their goalie.  Well done!

Half time : 2-0
Full time : 3-0

Goal scorers : John, Miguel, German

Malaga CF 8 - Peña Compadres 5

It was always going to be a tough match away from home, on the wide and short Málaga pitch of Puerta Blanca.  A great effort by Peña Compadres who although beaten on paper, were not dominated on the pitch. Both teams played well, and Peña Compadres should be especially proud of their performance, and for keeping mentally strong and fighting to the end despite all decisions going against them - two of their goals were dubiously disallowed (including a cracking header from Juampe!), and two clearly off-side goals were awarded to the Malaga home side.....without this, the points would of course have gone the other way.  So the lads from Peña Compadres put in a winning performance, but unfortunately the final result didn't reflect that........ however "that's football", and there are plenty of matches to come, so keep up the 100% effort and may the best team win!

Half time : 2-0
Full time : 8-5

Goal scorers : Yousef (2), John, Antonio Manzano, German

John and his team are recognized in the Spanish football news online

Futbol Carrasco news: 28/10/09
"Ramos’s team Peña los Compadres are still unbeaten and keep their position at the top of the league having beaten a hard-working El Palo team 5-3. The Marbella team showed great strength in the midfield with a star performance by John, although the goalie from El Palo Carlos Sosa did his best to keep the leaders from scoring. The final result was a home win, and proof that Compadres are serious contenders to be promoted to the Preferente League next season. Three teams are bunched behind them on the leader board, all keen to take the top spot from Ramos’s team, which are Málaga, Nueva Andalucía and Atlético Estación."
Practise your Spanish and read the original article http://www.futbolcarrasco.com.es/mostrar_noticia.php?id=9233 .

Peña Compadres 5 - El Palo 3

A well deserved round of applause after a tough match.  Peña Compadres had most of the possession, and did well to hold off a strong opposition from the El Palo visitors. John scored two important goals at key points in the game, and the goalies again did a phenominal job of protecting their area.

Half time : 2-0
Full time : 5-3

Goals : German, Yousef, John (2), Jorge

A few words from Pedro after the match...

See a brief interview with Pedro on You Tube

A couple of proud granddads!

John's grandfather "Papa" and Sergio Esteban's grandfather "Alfonso" are amongst the keen fan club of the Peña Compadres Alevin A team, and hardly miss a match... at home or away!

Peña Compadres Alevin A - top of the league!

Following a 7-7 draw between last week's top two, Malaga CF B and Nueva Andalucia, a win was enough on Saturday for Peña Compadres to take first spot.  It is tight at the top, and there are some tough matches to come, so keep up the concentration.... and keep scoring!  Congratulations to the fantastic Peña Compadres goalies, Leon and Benitez, who have only conceded 2 goals in 4 matches (vs Malaga 12, Nva Andalucia 9, Atl. Estacion 15).  Brilliant!

League Table points at 11/10/09

1. Peña Compadres 12         4. Atl. Estación      10
2. Malaga CF            10         5. El Palo                 9
3. Nueva Andalucía 10         6. Marbella Paraiso  9

Here come the boys!

Fuengirola Los Boliches 1 - Peña Compadres 6

A well contested game, mostly dominated by the Marbella team in blue!  A great score and well deserved win with a great team effort.

Half time : 1-3
Full time : 1-6

Goals : Yousef, German, Antoñito, Sergio Esteban (2), Antonio Manzano

See a short video of the boys entering the pitch on You Tube

Peña Compadres 1 - Las Lagunas 0

A hard fought battle in hot weather.  Well done to the team for keeping their concentration under difficult conditions and to Sergio Esteban for a well-worked goal to win the match.  Peña los Compadres Alevín A are currently only one of three teams (Nueva Andalucia & Malaga CF B)  in the league to have won all of their first three matches.  Keep up the good work lads....uno, dos, tres.... Los Compadres!

Half time : 1-0
Final score: 1-0

Goal: Sergio Esteban

Football on the Beach... again!

Jeremy, a regular team player with Essex amateur team Thornden Park, and Richard give John some keepie uppie practise on the beach.... after a rather large portion of paella!

You can see two short videos on YouTube.

You Tube Video 1    You Tube Video 2

Peña Compadres 8 - Costa Unida 1

Half time score : 4-1
Full time score: 8-1
Goal scorers : Javi, German (2), John, Sergio (2), Propia meta, Moreno

A well contested match in difficult conditions, a lunchtime kick-off and 30ºC!  Well done to both teams for managing to survive the heat and keep the pressure on until the end.

See a little video from the game on You Tube.

Conejitos 0 - Peña Compadres 7

After a tight first 10 minutes, the Compadres Alevín A team took control of the match after Sergio Esteban's opening goal.  A tidy game, which saw every member of the squad contribute to the effort.  As well as goals by Sergio, Yousef, John (2), German, Juanpe and Manzano, the scoreline was again well protected by some good saves by the two goalies Benitez and León.

Half time : 0-3
Full time : 0-7

John warms up in his No. 6 shirt

Warming up for the first league match of the season, John puts back on the favoured No. 6 shirt!

News Flash - almost 900 keepie uppies

Sunday morning, 10:00am and John is out in the garden.  The rest of the family can hear the unmistakable sound of keepie uppie practise going well ..... so well in fact that he did 897!  Nearly 900 and not many more for a 1000.  Great stuff John!

Marbella Paraíso 2 - Peña Compadres 8

A well fought match between these two well respected Alevin teams. John opened up the score sheet in the first half with a great left footed shot, and then contributed a second goal from a fantastic cross by Sergio Esteban in the second half. Sergio himself scored 3 crackers, and Herman scored 2 goals, including a great header, and Jorge added one more to make 8. A fantastic performance by all the team, including both goalies Benitez and León who between them contributed in no small way to the large goal difference. “¡Uno, dos, tres….los Compadres!”

Short video of a few keepie uppies

Now John seems to have mastered keepie uppies with both feet, it is time to try a few headers - not bad for a first attempt!  See it on You Tube by clicking here.

One of John's other hobbies is fishing....

What a catch!  This fish was landed with a little help from Steffi....












oh, and here's another one!

Peña Compadres 9 - Nueva Andalucia 2

Half time score : 4-1

Full time score : 9-2

Goal scorers: John, Antonio Manzano, Sergio Esteban x 3, Antonio, Javi, Propia meta x 2

John's goal was with his left foot!

First Round Fixtures - Primer Alevin 2009-2010 season

27/09 Conejitos (fuera)
04/10 Costa Únida (casa)
11/10 Las Lagunas (casa)
18/10 Los Boliches (fuera)
25/10 El Palo (casa)
01/11 CF Malaga (fuera)
08/11 Tiro Pichón (casa)
15/11 Marbella Paraiso (fuera)
22/11 Atl. Estación (casa)
29/11 San Pedro (fuera)
06/12 Torremolinos (casa)
13/12 Alhaurino (fuera)
20/12 Benamiel (casa)
10/01 26 febrero (fuera)
17/01 Nueva Andalucia (casa)

Second Round Fixtures - Primer Alevin 2009-2010 season

24/01 Conejitos (casa)
31/01 Costa Únida (fuera)
07/02 Las Lagunas (fuera)
14/02 Los Boliches (casa)
21/02 El Palo (fuera)
07/03 CF Malaga (casa)
14/03 Tiro Pichón (fuera)
21/03 Marbella Paraiso (casa)
11/04 Atl. Estación (fuera)
18/04 San Pedro (casa)
25/04 Torremolinos (fuera)
02/05 Alhaurino (casa)
09/05 Benamiel (fuera)
16/05 26 febrero (casa)
23/05 Nueva Andalucia (fuera)

10 year old John Wallace makes 749 keepie uppies look easy!

John beat his keepie uppies record on the beach today, 13th September 2009.  749 is the new number to beat, and guess what, we happened to get it on video, so you can see it on You Tube.

John Wallace practises his football keepie uppies

Football keepie uppies become more interesting as John decides to include a few tricky moves into the mix.... see a short sample of a warm up here on You Tube.

Peña Compadres 4 - San Pedro 4

A pre-season match between Peña Compadres and San Pedro Alevin A teams was drawn 4-4, a well-contested football match.  Both teams had their fair share of chances, and both showed great skills and fitness despite the hot and humid weather.  John scored the third goal for Compadres, a sneaky one from a difficult angle with his left foot.

John beats his keepie uppie record!

627 keepie uppies in the garden on Tuesday, 8th September 2009.  Well done John!!

Peña Compadres 6 - Costa Unida 2

The fitness of the Peña Compadres team led them to a convincing win against the Costa Unida team, who had only been training together for a short time.  John Wallace contributed 2 goals, and the usual abundance of energy!

John and Yousef

Trying to keep cool on a very hot day

Peña los Compadres - Alevines pick up the trophy!

It was a very hot day.  John and team faced Puerta de la Torre in their first match, who had only had a short rest after losing a tough game against Benamiel.  Peña los Compadres beat Puerta de la Torre 9-0 (John scored 2 - one with his left foot, and the other a diving header from a corner cross), and then played a great game against Benamiel, which they won 4-3 to take the trophy.

Team ready for action on 29th August 2009

John with the Peña los Compadres Alevin A team getting ready for their first friendly tournament at home.  The three teams competing were Peña los Compadres, Benamiel and Puerta de la Torre.

Wallace - No. 6

John tries out his new personalized Glasgow Rangers football kit!

Cricketer John

John loves cricket, but there isn't much chance to play at home, as this sport isn't very popular in Spain and he is also too busy playing football!  Here he is getting ready to hit some sixes against his cousins in England.

Fishing is another favourite sport!

Unfortunately John didn't catch any fish in Scotland, but it was fun (?) using multi-coloured maggots as bait!

Nacho Novo and John at Ibrox Park

Lucky Nacho gets to meet John.... or is it the other way around?

Pedro Mendes

John meets with Pedro Mendes of Glasgow Rangers.

Jock Wallace - A man of character

Jock Wallace's portrait at Ibrox Park

Rangers 3 - Man City 2

5th August 2009
A magical night to remember ... and Rangers won!

First visit to Ibrox Park

John's grandfather, Jock, is very famous at Ibrox as he was the manager of Glasgow Rangers for many years.  John was invited to visit the Trophy Room and also watch the Rangers vs. Man City friendly in August 2009 from the prestigious directors box!  He also got to meet lots of famous footballers from many years ago, and also some of the current Rangers and Man City players.

Visit to the ground of Berwick Rangers FC

John's grandfather Jock Wallace used to be the goalkeeper and player manager of Berwick Rangers.  He first made the headlines when Berwick Rangers beat Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers in 1967 to knock them out of the Scottish cup.  Jock later went on to have a hugely successful career in football management, mostly at Glasgow Rangers, as well as several other important clubs such as Motherwell, Colchester, Leicester City and Sevilla CF.

Jagger the ridgeback devoted fan!

Jagger the ridgeback ready for action in his football kit.

Training on the beach

Training is fun - taking a jog on the beach with Jagger the dog. 
A couple of small sharks were seen here in the water on 31st August 2009!  Apparently no threat to bathers, but the authorities forced them far out to sea, to be on the safe side.

John constantly trains in the garden!

John beat his record of 493 keepie uppies whilst visiting friends at Wentworth Golf course in England on 14th August 2009!  The new score to beat is 554..... we will let you know when that happens!  In the meantime, you can see a short video of just a few keepie uppies on You Tube.

Futbol Carrasco Team Benjamin vs Sevilla junio 2009

Futbol Carrasco Team beat Sevilla in the finals!

The second phase of the Futbol Carrasco cup was a knock-out tournament where the Selected Futbol Carrasco team was to compete with against Velez-Malaga, Sevilla and Rincon de la Victoria.  The FC Team made their selectors proud by beating Rincon de la Victoria with a stunning 9-0 score in the semi-finals.  They came up against hot favourites Sevilla in the finals, and managed a well fought 2-2 draw.  Penalties decided the final outcome, and Futbol Carrasco team won the shoot-out 4-2 to take the title.

John is selected for the FC Carrasco Team

During the Carrasco Cup, the scouts were out to select their team of individuals to play in a knockout tournament the following week, where Sevilla FC would be amongst the challengers.  John was selected to join this team along with his team-mates Youself and Sergio Esteban, and some other familiar faces from the Malaga selections.

Futbol Carrasco Cup 2009 - Peña los Compadres pick up another trophy!

The Futbol Carrasco Cup took place in late June 2009, and Peña los Compadres were delighted to be invited to take part in this prestigious event, which is attended by all the best provincial teams - most of whom had also been at the Campeonato de Andalucia.  After a hot and tough day of football, Peña Compadres played their hearts out and came through champions to pick up the much coveted Carrasco Cup.

Peña los Compadres - semi-finalists Campeonato de Andalucia

As league winners, Peña los Compadres Benjamin A team were invited to play in the Campeonato de Andalucia, "Champions League".  After drawing against favourites Malaga CF in the first round, against all odds, they stepped up their game and went on to convincingly beat them in the first meeting away from home, and hold them to a draw in the return match at home.  Next meeting was against rivals Peña Malaga, who they also knocked out.  However, two tight games against Velez-Malaga resulted in draws 5-5 and 3-3, so they narrowly missed out on going to the finals with less away goals.

Malaga Trials 2009

John made it to the pre-selections of the Malaga province team, and attended several trials.  Although he didn't make it to the final 12, he very much enjoyed the experience and congratulated his two team-mates Yousef and Sergio Esteban, who made in through these very competitive trials to represent Malaga in the Andalucia Cup.

First season at Peña los Compadres - League Winners

After two seasons at las Chapas, John was invited to join Marbella team, Peña los Compadres, where he soon became a key member in the midfield of the Benjamin A team, wearing shirt No.6.  They enjoyed a fantastic year, and won every home and away game to convincingly win the league, as well as several mini-tournaments.

Las Chapas, Marbella

At age 7, John joined Las Chapas football club, East of Marbella, where he played midfielder in the Benjamín A team, and ejoyed a great season, ending third in the league.