John Aldridge’s Charity Mission

For many, John Aldridge – our very own “Aldo” – is a man defined by the numbers: 329 Football League goals, 69 caps for Ireland, and a clinical presence in the 18-yard box that made him an Anfield icon. But here in the western Algarve, John is building a legacy that transcends the pitch. Through his close partnership with the Tomorrow Algarve Charity Trust (TACT), he has leveraged his fame to create a vital safety net for a community facing an increasingly difficult reality.

His mission is clear. “As John personally reminds us every time he visits: ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone.’” This isn’t just a footballing sentiment; it’s a promise to the most vulnerable in our region, and, in particular, to children, who John, as a doting grandad, is passionate about helping. That spirit was the driving force behind our most recent signature event, the John Aldridge Classic, which proved that the only thing more competitive than the golf itself was the generosity of our community.

A hole in one for charity

Tomorrow was delighted to again be part of the John Aldridge Charity Golf Classic, which teed off on Friday, 11 September.

With 21 teams taking part in the two-day competition, the stage was set for a memorable weekend of golf, friendship and fundraising. Many of the players have been travelling to the event from Liverpool for years, so there is a strong sense of camaraderie. John describes the atmosphere as akin to a stag do! “The golf becomes second a little bit because we’re all looking forward to getting it over and having a few laughs … It’s just a great mix of really nice people who pull together for the right reasons.”

The competition kicked off at Espiche Golf, where the atmosphere on the course was fun, competitive, and full of good spirit, with all the teams enjoying the challenge and the course. Despite some revelry, the scores were as hot as the weather, with three teams sharing an amazing score of 56 points in the Texas Scramble Stableford format. With the competition so tight, 1st, 2nd and 3rd places were decided on the back 9 countback. With such a close leaderboard, it was a fantastic start to the weekend and a fitting reflection of the event’s competitive yet friendly spirit.

The teams then gathered on the clubhouse terrace to relax, enjoy a sumptuous BBQ buffet and celebrate the first day of the competition. The afternoon was given an extra lift by Jim Goldie, who provided the entertainment with a selection of crowd-pleasing hits. With great food, music, plenty of laughter and the beautiful Espiche setting, it was the perfect way to round off an action-packed first day.

The competition continued on Saturday at Boavista Golf, where teams took on the 4 Ball Betterball, a 2-scores-to-count format. With the pressure building and the overall title up for grabs, the second day provided another exciting round of competitive golf and plenty of great performances.

Taking the honours and claiming the crown of John Aldridge Charity Golf Classic 2026 winners were Justin White, Conor McBride, Mark Simm and Jim Goldie, who produced an impressive 93 points to claim the top prize. There was only one hurdle to overcome. Liverpool FC were playing at the same time, so John had to ensure that the game was screened once the golf was over. But even a disappointing 0-0 draw with Fulham couldn’t dampen the golfers’ spirits as they enjoyed Boavista’s excellent hospitality.

The fundraising raffle is another yearly favourite where a game of Heads and Tails is played to select the winner of the fantastic prize donated by Boavista Golf & Spa: a weekend in one of their rental properties. “Everyone puts a tenner in, so it’s a thousand straight to charity. Those are the type of things you do to raise money for the people that Tomorrow magazine knows and we’ve backed over the years,” explains John.

After two days of golf, the John Aldridge Charity Golf Classic once again proved to be about much more than competition on the course. It brought together local golfers, players from the UK, and friends and supporters for a wonderful weekend while raising money for causes that make a genuine difference in our local community.

Golf with a purpose

We target the funds raised at the event where the need is most urgent, filling the gaps in our local safety net. Last year, €20,000 was raised to support our local heroes.

Lagos Bombeiros: Our local firefighters are our first line of defence against the ever-present threat of summer wildfires.

CASLAS: This home for children in social care faced an exceptionally difficult winter. Our support funded essential roof repairs and maintenance, ensuring children have a safe, happy and dry place to live.

NECI: We continue to support the daily running costs for this incredible team as they work to improve the lives of those with disabilities in our community.

Cadela Carlota: For the abandoned animals of Lagos, these funds mean daily care, medical attention, and the chance to find a “forever home”.

The Mustard Seed: Gives“Justice, Dignity and Hope for the Poor” by donating food and providing support to around 400 people in need.

Individual courage: support for families

Through the project “O Mundo Colorido do Vicente”, our donations fund intensive treatment in Braga for this brave young boy living with cerebral palsy.

After meeting Alice, who has Rett syndrome, and her wonderful mother, Salomé, John was moved by their need for an adapted vehicle. The funds raised help provide the family with the mobility Alice needs for her daily care.

The Padel Premiere: a new chapter in Praia da Luz

Get ready for a different kind of racket! On 17–18 October, John Aldridge will be hosting the inaugural padel tournament at the Ocean Padel Club in Praia da Luz. Padel has taken the Algarve by storm, and John has caught the bug himself.

I bumped into John at the new bar at the Ocean Padel Club, where I was having a beer after an energetic padel game. I was interested to learn that the legendary former professional footballer and manager was enjoying padel as much as he enjoys having a beer in the bar with friends! He told me, “I’ve always liked tennis and table tennis … and [for] everyone that plays it, it catches your imagination – you just want to go back and play it all the time.”

John discovered the Algarve in 1998 and initially invested in an apartment in Estrela da Luz. He now owns a villa in Praia da Luz where, as an Irish passport holder, he is able to spend part of the year indulging in one of his favourite pastimes – golf.

However, John is a recent convert to padel tennis – although his “struggling Achilles” tells him otherwise after a long session! He’s found that the quick-fire reactions needed at the net mirror his old instincts in the 18-yard box.

So with his newfound passion for the game, he had an idea to use it to raise more money. “Me and my son just said, let’s bring over about 30 players for a weekend from Liverpool and Ireland, have an event, and try to raise a few bob again for the two children.”

John has around 30 players flying in from Liverpool and Ireland specifically for the event to join our local talent at the Ocean Padel Club in Luz.

The Terrace Sports bar has become a fantastic hub for the community, and it’s the perfect place to watch the action unfold. John intends to offer food and drinks to players and anyone who wants to come and watch, to provide “bonus” support for Vicente and Alice.

He says, “It’s a fabulous place … you can watch your favourite sport, have a few nice pints, and after a game of padel, it’s perfect.”

Our community is only as strong as the support we give one another. By joining Aldo and the TACT team, you help ensure that in the western Algarve, no one has to walk alone.

How you can help:

Sponsorship: We are seeking businesses to help us over the line. Your logos can be featured on player shirts, banners and flags around the court. Even a small contribution helps change the trajectory for the families we support.

Community presence: Come down to the Terrace Sports Bar on 17–18 October! Watch the games, support the venue by enjoying some food and drinks, and help us build the “buzz” the players need.

Contact information: If you want to enter a team, offer sponsorship, or simply learn more about how TACT is helping our neighbours, please reach out to our event organiser Phil Harding: events@tomorrowalgarve.com