The Committee want to remind players that walking football is a non-contact version of the game. At the recent Committee meeting there was a discussion about increased physical contact and questioning of referees’ decisions. The Club supports the FA’s Respect agenda and urges members to continue to play and respect the values of the Club.

The Committee decided to honour Tony Wahlhaus’ passing with the Player of Year award to be named in his honour. A memorial book has been prepared and will be shared with Tony’s family later in the month.

Thursday sessions will continue to run from 10.00-midday with the aim of getting four games into the session. Players will be asked to referee the last game to give the nominated referees a chance of a game. Arrangements will be different when a training session is taking place with the community session running from 11.00-midday.

The Club is continuing to pursue publicity for the women’s sessions and will approach local Community Clubs to see if they will publicise the sessions.

The Committee will be starting to look for members to take on some of the key roles next year through shadowing the existing post holders. More details will be set out in a forthcoming news item.

The Club will test interest in another trip to Dublin in late February and a trip to the Mallorca walking football event in late April/early May. The Mallorca organisers are trying to put on an event with goalkeepers. Unfortunately, it does clash with the Vienna dates. More information will appear in the events section of the app.

For Vienna, the hotel deposit has been paid and the Club will start collecting hotel money from the beginning of October. Len Cheston will need to know any additional nights that you may want book at the hotel. Len and Mick reported they plan to arrive in Vienna on the Tuesday and have booked their flights with Ryanair.

The Awards evening will be on Saturday 29 November at the Leyton Star. There will be a buffet and music from various highly accomplished musicians who are also Club members.

The Dave Knight Cup and 10th Anniversary event has been well supported with sixty-five members and former members signing up. Provisional teams will be announced a week before the event.

Finally, the Club wishes Shayne Perry well as he moves with his partner to the Broad Acres of Yorkshire. Shayne was a resolute and at times quick defender. He played one hundred and fifteen times for the Club scoring five goals. He was captain of the over 50s Whites, picking up awards along the way including over 50s Player of the Year in 2024.

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Image used © 2025 Trevor Ridley