It’s Getting Mighty Crowded*

January is always a big month for SHWFC Members It’s the month that has more of our members Birthdays than probably any other month This has the bonus benefit of yet more confectionery being provided by the celebrants than can be consumed by average healthy adult It’s also that time of the year when people suddenly decide to make life changes for healthier futures Health Clubs are suddenly full of well intentioned individuals rediscovering their waistlines For SHWFC it signals an increased interest and enquiries about our sessions

In 2025 our membership numbers hit 120 over the 12 month period We know that some people gradually lose their enthusiasm for the game or drift away from regular attendance In a few instances injury restricts member activity So at Membership renewal time we usually will lose a few less focused individuals But for that ‘churn’ we also discover those members who become a true part of the Club, those who turn up to just to watch or referee or even simply be around this special band of people that they now call friends

You know which category that fits your character A Club is always the sum of its Members

Those who view the Club as part of their life are the true community Our lives are richer as a result of that shared experience

And we know with certainty that new people will join our ranks and find their community as part of our community

Monday morning’s first Ruskin session of the year was rewarded with 42 players plus a handful of referees and a visit from our local MP David Baines (a long term friend of the Club) and his Head of Office Andy Bowden It’s fair to say that SHWFC left a very positive impression on our distinguished guests We’ve received a House of Commons headed letter to acknowledge the visit and express thanks, as we proudly show below The weather was chilly and damp but no deterant to those assembled hordes We had a visit from guest Referee Kev McGovern, more of that later

After introductions and a vigorous warm up the following teams lined up to record their photographic posterity

Green - Chris K, Neil, Ashy, Beach Boy, Enoch, Little John and Chris Gilmore

Purple - Sheila, Les H, Andy Man, Amazon Prime, Citeh Geoff, Rick and Phil Moss

Red - Mike Thomo, Phil the Power, Les Meldrew, GRAV, Roger, Kirsty, and Aldo

Old Gold - Mika (briefly), Haggis, Wickie, Mike Bates, Thatto Dave, the Honeyman and Snakehips

Black - McSpeed, Lord Rainford, Big Tony, Eamon, Eileen and Robin

Blue - Mark Armstrong, John Hill, Cockney Rebel, Steve Jones, Chopper Tom Stretch and Mark NR

El Presidente, Charlie and Kev McGovern were the session Referees with Jeff Betty watching on before taking Mika’s place in the Old Gold team Just 10 minutes into the session Mika twisted his knee and had to sit out the remaining session time

Kev McGovern is a very experienced Walking Football official who has recently moved into the area He wants to look at Clubs in the area and referee at as many as possible to help develop refereeing expertise There was wide spread appreciation of his ability, even if he penalised the Cockney Rebel for running after a ball that had already gone out of play (a quirky old WFA rule that has consigned to the bin by this Club)

Whether he returns to our sessions in the future remains to be determined

Charlie handled his two matches with growing confidence and authority Green and Purple were first up producing a very close match up with goals by Chris K for Green and Phil Moss for Purple Despite numerous chances neither team could edge a winner 1-1 the final score There was an equally close second game with visitors Red finding Purple a tough nut to crack Dave ‘Amazon’ Prime was on target for Purple with Mike Thomo replying for Red another close match, another 1-1 draw Great contest with hand shakes all round at the final whistle

El Presidente was in charge of matches at the Far End with Red facing a very strong Black team in the opener There was early reward for Red when Aldo found the corner of the net to present the visitors with a 1-0 lead But Black fought back with some great passing and energy Steve Eccles claimed a brace to overturn the score before McSpeed and Eamon wrapped up a 4-2 victory for the Black with some comfort The second of Eccles goals was from the penalty spot A rare deliberate headed save by Aldo leading to the spot kick A Walking Football faux pas rightly punished by the power hungry Referee

There was a very one-sided start to the second fixture with Black firing 8th a six goal advantage before Old Gold found some consolation Four goals by Steve Eccles took the game away from Old Gold McSpeed and Eileen only adding to their woes Mike Bates notched the first nugget of the Gold comeback El Presidente meddled with the line ups swi5ching Jeff Betty and Steve Eccles in an attempt to even up the disparity Steve the Honeyman forced home for 2-6 Was a come back really possible? McSpeed fired home to ease any pressure at 7-2 Steve Eccles now in Old Gold struck twice to make the final score 7-4 So just the six goals in the game for the all action Eccles whose rehabilitation from injury seems to be well on track

We’ve no details of the scores or scorers from those games handled by Kev McGovern but the general feeling was that the games were generally even, played in great spirit and managed with skill and fairness

Wednesday night’s Sutton SoccerDome session was enjoyed by all who braved the elements to get their midweek Walking Football fix The indoor Sports Hall portion was played in sweltering temperatures with lashings of Factor 50 liberally applied by all

The game was a close affair with Green taking a narrow 2-1 victory over their opponents The outcome was in some doubt even 12 hours later until it was noted that Wickie had owned up to ‘not walking’ whilst hitting what might have been a leveller Big money changed hands in wagers, (the FA have been notified) on the outcome before Wickie provided his too honest explanation

Enjoyable session for all involved despite the unavailability of a Referee (endangered species)

The AstroTurf encounter was a great treat for all involved Final playing numbers was in doubt until five minutes after the official kick off time Late arrivals and mysterious availability meant that we had a 9-10 line up with the following teams

Orange - Little John, Deano, Mike Thomo, Ian Harding, Chris 10P, Deggs, Jason, Midweek Michelle and PJ

Blue - Mark Dav, Steve Carine, Eileen, Neil Stretch, Tom Stretch no relation, Eamon, Roger, Haggis, Steve Smith and Ian Hilton

The game was a joy to be involved in, a compelling contest from the very start It was simple to referee El Presidente’s biggest concern was noting the scorers Sometimes goals come from careless defend8ng, errors or frailty This game produced an array of excellent performances and goals as a consequence Haggis claimed the evening’s first with a cool finish Ian Harding hit back for Orange before goals from Ian Hilton and Steve Carine eased Blue 3-1 in front Chris 10P raised Orange hopes before Haggis struck again 4-2 to Blue Mark Dav added a fifth for Blue before Midweek Michelle made it 5-3 Ian Hilton eased Blue further ahead 6-3 The dying moments was edgy once Ian Harding claimed his second of the night for Orange

Nerves fraying Blue was able to see out time despite a late Chris Prout special made it 6-5 The final word to Lord Rainford who produced two ‘Have it’ clearances to the outer reaches of the SoccerDome Arena Not pretty but pretty effective

The Boot Room media session was celebration of SHWFC Walking Football qualities Smiling faces cold beer and a good time had by all

Same again this week please

It’s Getting Mighty Crowded* - Betty Everett a Northern Soul Classic songstress with her best known hit