October’26
Pete Lillywhite Completes the Great South Run
Thursday player Pete completed the run for charity on Sunday 19th October. and following the event gave the following comments;
“The photo says ‘I did it and we did it. It’s true; I may have gone for a jog around a very sunny Portsmouth with 23,000 other people for 1h42m19secs but you who donated helped to raise over £1,500 for cancer research and treatments that WILL save lives, with important contributions to local charities supported by Eastleigh WFC totalling around £200. Whilst I regret not being able to thank everyone in person, please be reassured that I am extremely grateful. Thank you”.
September’26
Our Ladies Compete in Canada
Two of our members were art of squads that travelled to Toronto for the recent Canada International Walking Soccer (not ‘Football’’, that’s a different sport over there!)
England over 50’s captain Sarah Harper once again captained her squad and they remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, playing 9 games without conceding a goal.
Kathy Barker was selected for the England ‘Kick out Cancer’ squad who played 8 games, and after losing the first two, to Canada over 50’s and Maple Leaf Select, went unbeaten in the remainder, winning 4 and drawing the other two.
They were well hosted by the Ontarians, and had the opportunity to both ascend the CN Tower and head to Niagara in addition to fitting in the busy football schedule.
Our congratulations to both.
Over 70’s in National Finals
Our over 70’s team reached the finals of the WFA National Cup coming runners up. See below the coverage in the Southern Daily Echo.
Seasonal Award Changes
We are changing the player and referee awards and recognitions which will be handed out at our Xmas lunch on
Wednesday 16th December. Mike Green has been doing the preparatory work and shortly will be approaching all regular Monday and Thursday players and inviting them to vote. Sarah for the ladies and for the Mobility group, will do likewise. In addition, managers will select players who have stood out in the respective age categories in external fixtures. Players will also be able to vote for the referees who regularly officiate their sessions. A few more trophies, but more recognition, particularly for those who are consistent throughout the year but may or may not play representative football for the club
New Kit & Equipment Manager
We are pleased to announce that with effect 1st October committee member Steve Gale will take on the role of equipment and kit manager. His role will be to ensure that playing kits are ready for use by the various representative teams and that they are returned, laundered, after each use. As our range of activities and involvement in external competition continues to grow, this is a key role within the club. Steve will monitor the kits and ensure that any replacement socks, shorts etc are obtained. He will
also look after spare footballs, bibs and any other matchday stock as part of the role.
NB – Steve is not the laundry man and expects that on Mondays & Thursdays all players will take their turn in washing the bibs at the end of their session.
Updated Laws of the Game
The WFA and the FA have entered into a partnership to take Walking Football forward. This follows 12 months of collaborative
discussions around the future of Walking Football, with the new partnership established to help the game achieve its full potential
and to deliver a more consistent experience for participants at all levels. Under the new partnership, The FA will act as the governing body for Walking Football in England, with the WFA becoming a National Delivery Partner for this format of the game.
The good news is that a unified set of Laws of the Game will be introduced in 2027. These are being tested in trial matches at the
moment and our own Dave ‘Wilko’ Wilkin is involved in the development. It will make life easier as we won’t have to adjust to
3 touch or multi touch when we turn up for tournaments.
There will be changes next year to the insurance scheme, as this will fall under the FA. All changes that affect club players will be announced once they are confirmed.
August’26
An Events Calendar has been added to our website to ensure everyone can keep up to speed on what is going on,
We are supporting the Eastleigh Community Showcase next month. More details can be found HERE.
Tuesday 11th Announcement
Once again, as the hot weather continues and temperatures of 32C are forecast for Thursday, we have reluctantly decided that this week’s Thursday sessions and also Wednesday’s Mobility session will not take place.
The committee discussed policy on this at last week’s committee meeting and it was decided that should the temperature be forecast to hit or exceed 30C, then to protect members, sessions would be cancelled. We also bore in mind that forecast temperatures are ‘shade’ rather than full sun and that at pitch level on artificial surfaces the actual temperature is likely to be higher than the headline one.
We know that some will be disappointed but thanks for your understanding.
July’26
Policy Updates
The club has updated the Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Policy.
Eastleigh Triumph in Tournament
News as printed in the online Southern Daily Echo. and the printed version below.
Glasgow Tournament
We have just received the confirmation of dates for the Glasgow Trophy for 2027. The detail is below. At this stage expressions of interest should be emailed to Ian Ritchie. Entries are on a first come first served basis and there is usually a high demand in every age group, so if we are going, we need to get in early.
If we have sufficient interest, then we will enter one or more teams. Men and Ladies. (ladies can also play in the men’s teams). Under the rules of the competition, if the cut off birthday falls anytime in 2027, then you are eligible. EG if you turn 65 in June 2027, a couple of months after the event, you would still be eligible to play in the 65+ group.
2027 Tournament Dates
Tuesday 30 March – Men’s Over 75s
Wednesday 31 March – Men’s Over 70s
Thursday 1 April – Men’s Over 65s
Friday 2 April – Men’s Over 60s
Saturday 3 April – Men’s Over 50s
Sunday 4 April – Women’s Over 40s, Over 50s & Over 60s
More details on flights and accommodation will be established when approximate numbers are known.
Eastleigh Tournament
On Saturday 11th July Eastleigh hosted an over 50 and over 65 tournament at Places Eastleigh. Our special guests were Guernsey and in the over 50’s Botley and Portsmouth made up the group. At over 65 Eastleigh and Guernsey were again joined by Portsmouth and also Winchester.
Eastleigh beat Portsmouth 3 nil in the over 50’s final and Winchester beat Eastleigh by the odd goal in the 65’s category.
A great day’s walking football in very hot conditions. Plenty of hydration breaks.
Our thanks to all competing teams, to our referees and also the behind the scenes folk who helped make the day a success.
Eastleigh to host Guernsey in summer tournament
Eastleigh Walking Football are hosting 2 teams from Guernsey as part of a summer tournament being held at Places Leisure on Saturday 11th July.
2 tournaments will run side by side. At 50+ level, Eastleigh, Guernsey, Botley and Portsmouth will compete for the *Sarnia trophy sponsored by Sunnybank Care Home, one of our sponsors. At over 65 level, Guernsey, Eastleigh and Portsmouth will be joined by Winchester in a second round robin tournament, with the Sarnia trophy once again at stake.
The Guernsey teams are flying in for the day. The tournament will run from 10.30 at Places Leisure Eastleigh. Club members and any spectators who might want to find out what Walking Football is all about, will be welcome. Admittance is free.
*Sarnia is the historic Roman name for Guernsey.
Click HERE for a full programme of the day
June’26
Click HERE for playing update regarding the hot weather for W/C 22nd June.
Eastleigh over 70’s have booked their place at the WFA national cup finals weekend in September. This was achieved with a 2 nil away win at Winchester. After a goalless first half 2 second half goals from John Dymott sealed the tie In Eastleigh’s favour.
Our 60s entertained our local rivals Portsmouth in the WFA National Cup second round winning the game 4-2. It was a very entertaining end to end game which was played in the best sprit and refereed excellently. We now move on to the Regional Semi Final with a home tie against Swindon. Thank you to Portsmouth for their sportsmanship.
Our 65s hosted Gosport in the second round of the Nationals and ran out 2-0 winners to progress to round three. Although we were dominant in possession in the first half we couldn’t find the breakthrough needed. Things changed though after half time with James Trant scoring a superb quick double to put us in control. Some great possession based football then saw us through to a good win. Thanks to Gosport for the way they played the game. We now travel to Winchester for the third round.
Eastleigh Walking Football’s recent Quiz Evening raised an impressive £1,200 in support of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) appeal, which aims to raise £3.6 million for its move to Southampton. The total was made up of £600 raised through the raffle, a £200 contribution from club funds, and a generous £400 donation from one of the club’s sponsors, Sunnybank Care Home. This was the third Quiz Evening organised by the club in support of HIOWAA, bringing the club’s overall fundraising total to more than £3,000 towards this vital cause.
The club remains deeply grateful to the Air Ambulance team for the lifesaving care provided to one of its members following a serious motorcycle accident. He was travelling home after a club session when he was involved in a crash that could have proved fatal. Thanks to the rapid response and expert intervention of the Air Ambulance medical team, his life was saved. Eastleigh Walking Football is proud to continue supporting HIOWAA and the outstanding work carried out by its crews every day.
May’26
Eastleigh’s 70+ squad travelled to Bournemouth to face Coasters, a team they had never played before. In sweltering conditions, Eastleigh took the lead through an individual effort from Bob Watts. James Trant doubled the lead before half-time with a ‘worldie’ into the top-right corner of the net, giving the keeper no chance. Eastleigh maintained control in the second half, and a slick passing move led to John Dymott tucking away a third goal. Coasters kept going until the end and twice struck the Eastleigh post, but Eastleigh saw the game out comfortably for a 3–0 win and progression into the third round.
Eastleigh squad: Ian Ritchie (GK), Les Gatrell, Barry Joslin, Bob Watts, John Dymott, James Trant, Steve Brine and Mick Tanner.
Many thanks to Coasters and officials.
Eastleigh Walking Football FC were kindly invited to take part in the Dorset FA Walking Football League cup. The tournament is a round robin league basis with the top two teams playing in a final. We are delighted to report that our over 65’s were successful beating Dexters in the final 2- 0. We would also like to extend our appreciation to all participating teams, match officials, and the organisers at Dorset FA for delivering such a well-run and enjoyable competition..
Eastleigh Ladies Walking Football Team competed in the inaugural Hampshire FA Walking Football County Cup on Saturday 16 May 2026. The tournament featured six teams playing in a round-robin format, with the top four progressing to the semi-finals.
Eastleigh’s results:
* AFC Bournemouth – Won 1-0 (Amanda Brettell)
* Basingstoke – Drew 0-0
* Bournemouth WFC – Won 2-0 (Ness Raynbird, Kathy Barker)
* Southampton – Won 2-0 (Kathy Barker, Amanda Brettell)
* Bracknell – Drew 0-0
After finishing top of the group, Eastleigh faced Southampton in the semi-final, winning 2-0 through goals from Rachel Webb and Amanda Brettell. The final against AFC Bournemouth ended 0-0 and was decided by penalties. Goalkeeper Rowena Price made crucial saves, while Rachel Webb scored the decisive penalty to secure a 1-0 shootout victory for Eastleigh. Congratulations to Rowena Price on winning Player of the Tournament.
Team:
Rowena Price (Captain), Penny Murray, Ness Raynbird, Rachel Webb, Kathy Barker, Roma Killen, Issy Donaldson, Amanda Brettell, Sarah Harper (Manager).
Thanks to all the competing teams , officials and Hampshire FA for making a great competition.
April’26
Following on from 2025 when we took 2 over 65 teams to Glasgow, there was sufficient interest and support this year to do the same again this year, with the addition of a 70+ and a 50+ team. Although we didn’t enter a ladies’ team, Sarah not only managed one of the 65+ teams and played for our 60+ team but was also part of a composite English ladies team that entered their event on Sunday 12th April. Here are a few pics.
Introducing Walkie
Walkie is the creation of one of our Mobility group members, Dave Hubble. Dave is a poet, creative writer and designer and has come up with the idea of ‘Walkie’, as a club mascot.
March’26
Glasgow Trophy in April
For those going to Glasgow, we have arranged a training/briefing session which include a briefing on the Scottish FA Laws under which we will be playing. They are a bit different to what we are used to. As well as three touch, as an example, any foul committed in the defensive third of the field is punished by the automatic award of a penalty kick. This will be at Places Leisure on Sunday 5th April, 2 days before we travel, in the hope that some of the information we impart will be retained until later in the week!
Visit of Guernsey WFC
The visit of Guernsey Walking Football in July has been confirmed. They will visit us for the day on Saturday July 11th. There is an early flight from Guernsey which gets in around 0730 with the return during the evening. We already have a couple of clubs ready to put in teams in order to put together a small tournament. Guernsey are planning to bring 2 squads, 50+ and 65+.
More details to follow when we finalise arrangements.
February’26
Change in Thursday location Announcement
Club Statement issued on 12-02-202