Club Statement issued on 12-02-2026
Eastleigh Ladies win Hampshire League
Sunday 15th June our Ladies played in the last fixtures of the Hants League.
The Div one side took to the field and in a tense first game, overcame Bournemouth 1-0 with a penalty
A more comfortable 3-0 win against Basingstoke followed with goals from Mimi Paglia, Sarah Harper and Amanda Brettell.
The final game v local rivals Southampton was another tense affair with both sides pressing for a win, Eastleigh defended really well, but Eastleigh countered with good pressing from the midfield. The score was 0-0 at half time with neither team having a clear chance on goal. Amanda Brettell then opened the scoring for Eastleigh and with Southampton pressing for an equaliser, Eastleigh managed a second, again from ‘Bretts’.
Great team performance all season and very well deserved league winners with a great unbeaten record.
In the second competition, The Div two side drew with Fleet, lost 1 nil to Bournemouth to a late goal, drew 0-0 with Portsmouth and were pipped 1-0 by Basingstoke in the final game. A creditable performance from an inexperienced group.
Volunteer: Summer Stadium Clean Up at The Silverlake
Eastleigh Football Club are looking for supporters to give up some time from 3pm on Tuesday 1 July to help get the Silverlake Stadium looking fresh for the 2025/26 season!
They ask supporters to arrive from 3pm onwards to lend a hand in a number of jobs that need doing to get the ground in shape.
They will provide tools for you, and ensure that you are supplied with tea, coffee, and food on the day to keep you fuelled!
If you are able to lend a helping hand, please let them know by emailing admin@eastleighfc.com
More info at https://eastleighfc.com/2025/06/volunteer-summer-stadium-clean-up/
EASTLEIGH FC BOSS PRESENTS WALKING FOOTBALL CLUB WITH AWARD
Following the recent achievement by the club of being highly commended by the Walking Football Association in the annual awards, the certificate acknowledging the achievement was presented to WF club chairman John Hunter by Eastleigh FC manager Kelvin Davis.
Southampton Echo coverage of our recent awards
GOALKEEPER ROB WELLBY SELECTED FOR NATIONS CUP IN ROME
Eastleigh ‘keeper Rob Wellby has been chosen for the England squad to play in the Nations Cup in Rome in March 22nd & 23rd. England will join hosts Italy, Wales, Hungary, Switzerland, Eire and Poland in the over 60’s category and we wish Rob all the best in his latest international venture.
SUCCESS FOR EASTLEIGH AND ONE OF OUR REFS IN WFA AWARDS
At the Walking Football Association (WFA) annual awards, Eastleigh FC Walking Football were ‘highly commended’ missing out to Barnet, who were chosen as winners.
During the year we established our ladies section and launched a Mobility section, providing a weekly session for players suffering from Parkinsons and other conditions as well as those in post operative and stroke recovery. On the field we were successful in winning several trophies and now have an active membership of around 200. We also raised over £3000 in support of the Hampshire Air Ambulance and Eastleigh Basics Food Bank. In 2024 the club celebrated its first 10 years with a gala dinner with guest speaker Francis Benali MBE.
Chairman John Hunter said that the award was a great honour for a club that began 10 years ago, with ‘6 blokes kicking a ball about’ and now provides weekly activity for 150 plus members.
Going one better than the club, Eastleigh FC Walking Football’s Heather Kirkland was judged as female referee of the year.
Heather’s footballing journey started back in 1969. Many will remember the successful Southampton Women’s team back then that swept all before them, winning the league, league cup and FA Cup 8 (eight) times and even the European Cup (in 1977) Heather was a member of that squad alongside other names that ‘older’ readers will remember, such as Sue Lopez, Pat Chapman and goalkeeper Sue Buckett as well as her sister Morag Pearce(nee Kirkland) .
Since making the transition to Walking Football, Heather has progressed into becoming an England Women’s over 60’s player and England Women’s over 60’s Coach/Manager.
She was awarded the WFA Grassroots Award – Coach of the Year in 2023
Following injury she took up refereeing, completing her first refereeing course with Eastleigh Walking FC a couple of years ago and progressing to become a WFA Tournament referee and has officiated at St George’s Park for the FA National Cup.
Eastleigh’s head of refereeing Dave Wilkin said that Heather’s award is a deserved one for the work she has put in.
In 2025, Heather is looking forward to travelling to Brazil in July for games against Brazil and Columbia and taking part in the World Nations Cup in Alicante in October, where she hopes to be both refereeing and Managing the England over the two weeks.
February half term playing arrangements
On Thursday 20th February our Academy and regular sessions will relocate to Fleming Park aka Places Leisure. Timings will remain the same. We can confirm that sessions will take place on the artifical full size pitch not in the cages. All otgher sessions that week remain unchanged
Our Mobility Group goes from strength to strength
Our Mobility group has now established the weekly sessions indoors at Places Leisure (Fleming Park). We will continue indoors until the spring, thus protecting anyone who might be vulnerable to the colder weather of winter.
Around 16 – 20 play every week and get great value from the exercise, cameraderie and social interaction. We have Parkinsons and MS players, as well as those recovering from stroke or medical procedures. For more details and to join us, see the Parkinsons and Mobility Group page.
They even have a huddle and high five before starting!
BRYAN JONES CHOSEN FOR ENGLAND vs WALES
Congratulations to one of our number, Bryan Jones, who represented the England International Walking Football Federation side on 26th October against Wales. 4 games were played with England winning on aggregate by 8 goals to 1. Bryan is pictured in the centre of the front row.
Eastleigh Ladies Walking Football reurn to competitive action
The ladies have 2 teams in the Hampshire League.
The first team, playing in division 1 beat Bournemouth 1-0, Arun 3-0 and drew 1-1 with a strong Southampton side. After 2 rounds of matches, Eastleigh sit 7 points clear at the top of the table.
The Development squad
The Development squad, playing in division 2, beat Bournemouth 3-2, drew 0-0 with Basingstoke, and lost 2-1 to Portsmouth and 1 nil to Fleet. This group is largely made up of ladies new to the game and their progress has been remarkable.
In October, with no competitive action, they played Portsmouth in a series of friendlies, allowing the squads from both teams some competitive match time.
Both sides obtained benefit, and from Eastleigh’s point of view, it was a good opportunity to ‘blood’ players who had not previously experienced tournament play.
Our picture shows the two groups still smiling after the game!
Ladies compete in annual Bracknell tournament
On Sat. 13 July, 8 of the Eastleigh ladies team travelled to Bracknell, as it was their annual tournament. The format was 6-aside with 3-touch.
The results in the Group stages were:
Eastleigh drew with Bracknell Blue 1-1
Eastleigh beat Denham 2-0, and,
Eastleigh drew with X-Saints
0-0.
Kathy Barker took a penalty and scored handsomely. Claire also scored her first competition goal whilst donning the Eastleigh shirt, which was a proud and special moment for the team.
Eastleigh then had to play Bracknell Red and were defeated and then played Maidenhead for 3rd place, but also sadly lost 1-0.
The Final was Bracknell Red vs. X-Saints and Bracknell beat them 2-0.
The Referees adhered to strict rules and 4 infringements for running resulted in a penalty. Eastleigh maintained composure and did not concede any penalties.
Elaine was outstanding in goal, saving some extraordinary goals and undoubtedly was the standout player of the day!
Fun had by all and one cannot emphasise the excitement of playing competitive games. We look forward to the next one!
Back Row L to R: Jackie, Fran, Elaine, Jackie B, Pinky / Front Row: L to R: Sarah, Claire and Kathy.
Ladies compete in multi discipline football tournament in Worthing
On Sunday 23 June, ten of the Eastleigh ladies travelled to the Worthing Rugby Club to take part in a large football tournament. It was huge with all different groups, children, young adults, women and differing abilities. This was the first time they’d hosted WF so it was a learning curve for them, but great to see they were being inclusive.
The first match was played as 6-aside on an extraordinarily wide, grass pitch and Eastleigh drew 0-0 vs. the Battleaxes. The rules were multi-touch but the goalies area was the entire square, which was a bit odd, and goal kicks were taken from the back line.
After Ness’s skilful discussions with management it was agreed given the width of the pitch, the teams should all be 7-aside and the goalie’s area reduced to the semi-circle.
In the next game, Eastleigh beat Woking 2.0. The third game Eastleigh drew 1-1 which was good as they were 1-0 down. The next game was Crystal Palace and Eastleigh lost 2-0. Finally, the last game Eastleigh won 3-1, which was a decent result as they were losing 1-0 but scored three goals in 4 minutes. It was a fun day out, Crystal Palace went on to face off in the Final with the Battleaxes and won the whole thing.
Eastleigh performed well, and thoroughly enjoyed the day, albeit a 12-hour day, door-to-door for some!
Back L to R Tilly Brettell, Jackie Binnington, Elaine Betteridge, Pinky Kaur, Rachel Webb, Sue Smith and Ness Raynbird / Front L to R Amanda Brettell, Claire Hill, Mimi Paglia and Kathy Barker.
The Club Mourns the Passing of Life Member Ray Lewis
It is with great sadness that we reflect on the passing of one of our original members of the club, Ray Lewis. Ray passed away on May 31st, just a couple of weeks shoort of his 75th birthday. Although Ray had to give up playing a few years ago in order to receive ongoing treatment for his cancer, he remained in close contact with the club. He remained on the committee and his experience and knowledge were of great value to us. He will be sorely missed.
The Walking Football Club guard of honour awaits the arrival of the funeral cortege.
Over 50’s triumph in Dorset League Cup – June 2024
Huge congratulations to our over 50s side who won the Dorset over 50s league. We played 6, won 5 and drew 1 with no losses and only conceding 2 goals along the way. In the final we drew 2-2 with Dorchester eventually coming out as winners 2-1 on penalties. Well done everyone fantastic achievement.
Back row: Les Gatrell, Mark Corrigan, Simon Butler, Derek Dempsey, Martin Curtis.Front row: Steve Aldridge, Rob Wellby, Gurnam Roath, Jules Weller
No Walking Football sessions in the week of 17th June
The long awaited repairs to the playing surface on the all weather pitch are taking place between 17th & 21st June. This means that the Monday, Wednesday and Thursday sessions this week are cancelled. As it was a very short notice period, it was not possible for us to book any alternative, so enjoy your summer break!
Congratulations to Bryan Jones
Congratulations to Bryan Jones, who was a member of the successful England side in the IWFF 60’s world cup played at Chesterfield. We have a world cup winner in our midst!
The team played 8 games, winning 5 and drawing 3. The other countries played were Australia, Sweden, Norway, Wales, N Ireland, Caribbean, Israel and France
Change of Thursday Venue on Thursday 30th May – Half Term
As ever, we are unable to use the pitch at the Silverlake on Thursday 30th May as the kids’ soccer schools will be in operation.
We are relocating for one week only to Fleming Park aka Places Leisure. Session timings remain unchanged. Sunday, Monday and Wednesday sessions are unaffected.
Eastleigh FC launch breakfast club for Veterans and their families
Does what it says on the tin. So if you are eligible and would like to join in or know anyone who might want to, then spread the word.
Congratulations to Eastleigh goalkeeper Rob Wellby. He travelled to Malta to represent England over 60’s. They played 4 games, winning 6-0, 4-0, 6-0 and 7-0, so 4 clean sheets for Rob. Well done sir! Rob is front row, 2nd from left.
COMPETITIONS AND TOURNAMENT UPDATE 24 APRIL 2024
Eastleigh’s 4 teams have completed their respective 1st round national cup matches.
Earlier this month the over 60’s beat Havant & Waterlooville and the over 65’s saw off Portsmouth. Last weekend the over 50’s came unstuck against Winchester. Despite taking the lead, the game finished 5-1 in Winchester’s favour. Better news for the over 70s. They travelled to Bournemouth, fought out a draw and with 2 important saves by Barry Yarney, triumphed in the penalty shoot out. So three out of 4 sides through to the second round.
We have won the competition 3 times in the past and the over 65’s reached finals day last year and we are focused on getting as far as we can again this year. Competition gets tougher year on year as the popularity of walking football grows and more teams enter.
Hot on the heels of winning the April Hampshire League (see below) our over 65’s completed their fixtures in the Dorset league as champions, undefeated and only conceding a solitary goal.
EASTLEIGH WIN APRIL’S HAMPSHIRE LEAGUE DIVISION ONE TITLE
An Eastleigh tournament squad came out on top of the monthly Hants FA tournament at Stoneham Lane. Having held their own in the top division in recent months, they went one step further and won it this month. (April) Wins against Pompey 1-0, Farnham 2-0, Knightwood 2-1, Gosport 2-0, and draws with Havant 0-0, and Compton 1-1 were enough to earn the silverware. Well done to our boys in what is an open age (over 50) competition and let’s just say our average would be somewhat higher than that!
Back row Neil Graham, Nick Illingworth, Dave Webster, Geoff Harrison / Front row Tim Cole, Rob Wellby, Jules Weller
Eastleigh over 60’s win the Dorset League
Eastleigh Walking Football Club’s mens’ over 60’s squad secured first place in the last round of the Dorset League in March. They started the day 3 points behind Dorchester, both having 3 games to play, including what turned out to be a decider against Dorchester. Both teams won their first 2 games and in what became a ‘cup final’, Eastleigh had to win to draw level on points, but with a handy 5 goal difference in their favour.
In a tight game Tim Cole drew first blood for Eastleigh but Dorchester equalised early in the second half. Eastleigh were then awarded a penalty which Mark Corrigan converted for what turned out to be the winner.
Back row L to R Martin Curtis, Les Gatrell (manager) Stuart Raddon, Paul Mulberry, Nick Illingsworth, Mark Corrigan, Dave Webster and Barry Joslin.
Front L to R Tim Cole, Don Keltie, Rob Wellby and Bryan Jones.
Eastleigh’s Sarah Harper features in England visit to Cyprus
England Ladies over 50 in Cyprus. Sarah Harper middle of front row
Sarah reports that Cyprus was a great success, although the weather could have better! Not quite sunbathing weather but okay for football.
The squad arrived on Wednesday 20th March and received their briefing.
Thursday light training session – followed by lunch and some friendly tennis with team mates.
Friday was a busy day as follows:
A great few hours of walking football at Alana sports centre when the 4 ladies club teams from Cyprus welcomed an Over 60’s team and over 50’s team from England for a round robin.friendly tournament. Great quality football played in a great spirit. Well done to all.
Results
Pafos United Ladies 0 vs England Over 50’s Ladies 0
Aphrodites Wanderers Ladies 0 vs England Over 50’s Ladies 2
Akamas Ladies 0 vs England Over 50’s Ladies 3
England Over 50’s Ladies 0 vs England Over 60’s Ladies 0
Polis & Latchi Lionesses 0 vs England Over 50’s Ladies 4 -Sarah was among the scorers.
Saturday was the main event -our over 60’s ladies played first with a good performance and 5-0 victory Over Cyprus over 55 team.
The over 50’s then took to the field to play against Cyprus under 55 squad. It was a hard fought match as Cyprus went all out for an attacking line up, with some strong play from their younger (under 40) players. England kept them at bay and broke through their defence for Lorraine Robinson to finish well. The game went on with some very strict refereeing, but England kept their shape and played a good defensive game. England won the match 1-0 .
Eastleigh Ladies show off their new kit in March Hants tournament
Our Walking Football’s ladies group did well in the March Hampshire League tournament, finishing second to a strong ex Saints side, who only beat them 1 nil. And Eastleigh were without Sarah Harper, who was away on England international duty in Cyprus. Eastleigh beat Bournemouth 6 nil, and Portsmouth by 2 goals to 1 and drew one apiece with Swanage, to finish in second place with 7 points.
Eastleigh wore their brand new tournament kit, kindly sponsored by M&B MOT & Service Centre of Boyatt Wood.
Back left to right:Ness Raynbird, Rachel Webb, Jackie Binnington, Pinky Kaur, Elaine Betteridge Manager for the day Jayne Brettell
Front left to right Amanda Brettell, Kathy Barker, Mimi Paglia, Jane Hodgson, Helen Burgess
Venue change for Thursdays over school Easter holidays
PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE THURSDAYS 4th & 11th April – WE WILL BE AT FLEMING PARK, aka PLACES LEISURE. TIMINGS WILL BE SAME AS USUAL
Academy 10.45 for 11.00, 1st group 11.45 for 12.00 and final group 12.45 for 1.00.
The change is owing to Eastleigh FC holding their kids’ soccer schools those weeks as it is Easter school holidays. HFA at Stoneham Lane was also fully booked so we are at Fleming Park. Note that we are on the main pitch, not ‘the cages’
The Monday evening and Sunday sessions are not affected.
Quiz Nite on Tuesday 30th April at the Concorde Club
As part of our 10 year celebrations, we will be holding a quiz evening on Tuesday 30th April at The Concorde Club.
You can enter a team of up to 6. (Minimum age 18)
Teams can include family and friends, not just football club members
If you are on your own or just ‘a couple’ we’ll put you in to a team
£12 per ticket to include chicken curry, rice, mango chutney & poppadoms at ‘half time’
6 rounds of questions including a music round
Quizmasters: Vince and Fiona Wingent
Prizes for winning teams and most original team name
Charity raffle in support of Hampshire Air Ambulance who scrambled to help Danny Seagrave when he had his accident
For those who want to stay overnight in the Ellington Lodge Hotel at The Concorde £70 per couple inc breakfast. To reserve, call the Ellington Lodge direct on 023 8061 3989 and mention this function.
Email ian.ritchie5@btopenworld.com to book your team. There will be a prize for the most ‘original’ team name. (keep it clean!)
Our team finished a creditable second in the first division of this week’s monthly Hampshire Walking Football tournament held at HFA, Stoneham Lane. They played 5 games, winning two and drawing the other three, accumulating 9 points, without conceding a goal.
They were pipped to first place by Compton, who won 3, lost 1 and drew 0-0 with Eastleigh, achieving 10 points. Others in the group were Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Salisbury and Winchester.
Team photo shows back row L to R Tim Cole, Dave Webster, Mark Corrigan, Nick Illingworth and Neil Graham. Front row L to R Steve Aldridge, Rob Wellby and Paul Mulberry.
Eastleigh hit top slot in Dorset League at over 60 and over 65 levels
Once again, kind support from Eastleigh FC’s programme editor James Wallace, means that we had coverage of our recent round of matches in the Dorset League. Both the over 60’s and over 65’s sit at the top of their leagues going in to the March round of matches.
Picture shows the successful over 65 group.
Note the look of shock on Jools Weller’s face as he had not combed his hair properly before the shot was taken!
Venue changes Sunday 11th and Thursday 15th February
Change to Ladies session on Sunday 11th February.
As the Silverlake stadium is hosting Saints Ladies v Man United, which is sold out, the ladies session is relocating for one week only, to Meadowside at Whiteley from 4pm to 5 pm.
PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE FOR ONE THURSDAY ONLY. ON THURSDAY 15TH FEBRUARY WE WILL BE AT FLEMING PARK, aka PLACES LEISURE. TIMINGS WILL BE SAME AS USUAL
Academy 10.45 for 11.00, 1st group 11.45 for 12.00 and final group 12.45 for 1.00.
The change is owing to Eastleigh FC holding their kids’ soccer schools that week as it is half term. HFA at Stoneham Lane was also fully booked so we are at Fleming Park. Note that we are in ‘the cages’, not the main pitch.
The Monday evening session is not affected.
EASTLEIGH LADIES HOLD THEIR FIRST TOURNAMENT
Action from Bournemouth v Eastleigh
Our newly formed ladies section, who only started playing in September, held their inaugural tournament ay |The Silverlake on Sunday 7th January. Eastleigh entered 2 teams, as did Portsmouth and Bournemouth.
On a sunny but very cold day, Eastleigh Blues won 3 of their games and lost 1. Eastleigh Greys won 2 and lost 2. More importantly everyone enjoyed the day, although given the cold weather, they were delighted to see the tea urn at the end of the day.
COVERAGE OF OUR PRESENTATION LUNCH AND CHARITY DONATION TO ARK
We held our annual presentation/Xmas lunch on 13th December. The proceeds of the raffle, £400, was added to by a kind donation of a further £200 by Silverlake Automotive Recycling and passed to local church based charity, ARK (Acts of Random Kindness). They used the funds to supply local needy families with Xmas Hampers. Eastleigh FC kindly covered the event in the new year’s day match programme as can be seen below.
Our Ian Ritchie features in the Eastleigh Matchday programme December 2023
Our Ladies tournament team announce a sponsor
Our newly formed ladies group have already entered the Hampshire ladies walking football league. We are now pleased to announce that they are sponsored by M&B MOT and Service Centre, based in Woodside Road, Eastleigh.
The M&B logo will feature on their new tournament kit, currently on order.
Our thanks to Paul Rossiter and the team at M&B for their much valued support.
Eastleigh over 65’s miss out on making it 3 in a row
Eastleigh’s over 65 squad competed as holders in the finals day of the WFA national cup in Nottingham on September 17th. The playing standard was very high, clearly as a result of so many more players taking up the game – there are now some 200,000 active walking footballers in the country. We were in a group with Grimsby Town Ancient Mariners, Godalming and Midlands Soccer Academy. All 3 games were tightly fought but we lost 2-1, 2-0 and 1-0 to our respective opponents. Our only goal came from the penalty spot and we didn’t create enough goalscoring opportunities in open play.
Interesting fact was that Midlands Soccer Academy, the eventual winners, drew their other 2 group games 0-0, won their semi final on penalties and the final 1 nil. Fine margins between winning and losing but we can reflect on back to back wins, learn from the weekend and look forward to competing again next year.
Walking Football gets national TV coverage on GB News
Following the Walking Football World Cup of Nations, WFA’s Paul Carr was interviewed on Nigel Farage’s show on GB News. In the interview he mentioned that there are now over 200,000 players of walking football in the country, so we are not alone!
EASTLEIGH LADIES START HAMPSHIRE LEAGUE SEASON
Our newly formed ladies section started their Hants League season on August 27th with 2 wins a draw and a defeat in their 4 matches.
EASTLEIGH’S SARAH HARPER MAKES ENGLAND DEBUT
Whilst the focus of the nation has focused on womens’ football ‘down under’ Eastleigh’s Walking Football Club are proud to announce an achievement nearer home. Our own Sarah Harper made her debut for England Women over 50’s on August 13th and scored in the 5 nil victory over Wales. Sarah has been training with the group this year and this was her first opportunity to play.
Sarah is in the front row, 2nd from the right.
Watch out for an announcement on new ladies Sunday walking football sessions coming in September.
SUCCESS AT WALKING FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION ANNUAL AWARDS
We are delighted by our success in the annual Walking Football Association (WFA) awards. The club itself received a highly commended recognition for the way it has grown and supported charities during the year. Our over 65 squad was highly commended in the team of the year category in recognition of retention of the national cup.
But most of all, we are delighted that our manager of tournament teams, Les Gatrell, was awarded Coach of the Year and we reproduce in full below, the reasons why. Congratulations to Les.
Coach/Volunteer of the Year
Men – Les Gatrell – Eastleigh
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Les joined the club shortly after it was founded back in September 2014 and has been a key member ever since. During the pandemic, Les took charge of the activities that we could undertake once we were allowed limited gatherings. He devised a suitable and safe set of exercises and drills that we could safely undertake with social distancing until we were able to resume our regular playing sessions. Now Les manages our weekly sessions with a system that he developed. This involves all who wish to play advising their availability to Les. Les then selects teams based on a mix of abilities so that there are no cliques, no ‘playing with your mates’ and the outcome is that most weeks teams are evenly matched, leading to competitive and enjoyable sessions for all. Les also manages our Monday sessions which generally attracts a ‘younger’ group, largely made up of those who are still working. As manager of our tournament teams, Les’s record is arguably second to none within the WFA national competition. He led the over 60 squad who won the National Cup in 2017. Subsequently he managed the over 65’s who reached finals day in 2018 and 2019 and won the competition again in 2021 and 2022. Les’s ability as a successful WF coach has been recognised and during 2022 was asked to manage the Hampshire side for the south western counties tournament at Weston Super Mare in December. | |||
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Les joined the club shortly after it was founded back in September 2014 and has been a key member ever since. During the pandemic, Les took charge of the activities that we could undertake once we were allowed limited gatherings. He devised a suitable and safe set of exercises and drills that we could safely undertake with social distancing until we were able to resume our regular playing sessions. Now Les manages our weekly sessions with a system that he developed. This involves all who wish to play advising their availability to Les. Les then selects teams based on a mix of abilities so that there are no cliques, no ‘playing with your mates’ and the outcome is that most weeks teams are evenly matched, leading to competitive and enjoyable sessions for all. Les also manages our Monday sessions which generally attracts a ‘younger’ group, largely made up of those who are still working. As manager of our tournament teams, Les’s record is arguably second to none within the WFA national competition. He led the over 60 squad who won the National Cup in 2017. Subsequently he managed the over 65’s who reached finals day in 2018 and 2019 and won the competition again in 2021 and 2022. Les’s ability as a successful WF coach has been recognised and during 2022 was asked to manage the Hampshire side for the south western counties tournament at Weston Super Mare in December. | ||||
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Les joined the club shortly after it was founded back in September 2014 and has been a key member ever since. During the pandemic, Les took charge of the activities that we could undertake once we were allowed limited gatherings. He devised a suitable and safe set of exercises and drills that we could safely undertake with social distancing until we were able to resume our regular playing sessions. Now Les manages our weekly sessions with a system that he developed. This involves all who wish to play advising their availability to Les. Les then selects teams based on a mix of abilities so that there are no cliques, no ‘playing with your mates’ and the outcome is that most weeks teams are evenly matched, leading to competitive and enjoyable sessions for all. Les also manages our Monday sessions which generally attracts a ‘younger’ group, largely made up of those who are still working. As manager of our tournament teams, Les’s record is arguably second to none within the WFA national competition. He led the over 60 squad who won the National Cup in 2017. Subsequently he managed the over 65’s who reached finals day in 2018 and 2019 and won the competition again in 2021 and 2022. Les’s ability as a successful WF coach has been recognised and during 2022 was asked to manage the Hampshire side for the south western counties tournament at Weston Super Mare in December. |
£400 DONATED TO ARK CHARITY TO SUPPORT XMAS HAMPERS
At our recent annual presentation lunch, we raised £400 in the raffle. We decided to donate the money to a local community based charity. After research, Marcus, our committee member who looks after charity matters, came up with ARK (Acts of Random Kindness) an Eastleigh based charity. They were looking to raise money to provide Xmas Hampers to those less fortunate, living in the Eastleigh area. Our picture shows Marcus and club treasurer Paul Baker presenting the charity with a cheque for £400.
NATIONAL CUP SQUAD ACKNOWLEDGED BY EASTLEIGH CROWD
At half time in Eastleigh FC’s game v Torquay on 25th October our over 65 national cup winning squad were acknowledged on the pitch at The Silverlake.
We’ve done it again! National Cup winners in September 2022
Eastleigh are winners of the WFA national cup sponsored by Pharmacy 2U at over 65 level, retaining the trophy we won last year.
To reach finals day, the side had to battle through 3 qualifying rounds.
The squad stayed overnight Saturday in Telford and fresh for the fray at the national sports centre at Lilleshall, beat both Eastwood and Kingsgate 1 nil and drew 0-0 with Matlock which saw us through to the semi final. We beat Hemel Hempstead 3-2 on penalties after a 0 – 0 draw, keeper David Davies making the all important save.
The final also went to penalties after another Davies clean sheet and a 0-0 draw with Stamford. The penalties were won 2-1 with Davies this time pulling off 2 saves and Geoff Harrison and John Dymott netting the all important goals for us. Penalty shootouts in this competition are taken 3 per side.
Dymott had scored the opening goal for the over 70’s on Saturday, so his winning penalty topped and tailed a great weekend for the club.
Having first won the national trophy in 2017 (at over 60 level) and followed that up with 2021 and this year’s over 65’s successes, the following have been involved in all 3 of these campaigns. Les Gatrell, manager, who would also have been a player this year had he not been recovering from knee surgery, Martin Curtis, the other member of the management team and skipper Barry Joslin, James Trant and Martin Gallop who all played in all 3 seasons.
Eastleigh over 70’s go close in finals day
Our over 70’s team went close in their national finals day on Saturday 17th September at Lilleshall, in the WFA National Cup sponsored by Pharmacy 2U.
John Dymott scored the vital goal in our opening 1 nil win over Moulton Masters. JD also scored our winning penalty in Sunday’s over 65’s final meaning that he scored our first and last goals of the finals weekend. Some kind of record? Who knows?
In another tight 1 nil game Dymott was on the mark again against Abbeymead and that was followed up with a Rod Ellaway goal in a 1-1 draw with Weston Super Mare. Alan Martin was on the target as we returned to winning ways with another Arsenal type (!) 1 nil win against Bedworth. The final group game saw defeat against Bournemouth by the only goal but we were through to the 1/4 finals on a day that featured 22 teams.
The quarter final against Barnet went to a penalty shootout with Eastleigh coming out on top 5 – 4.
In a tight semi final we went down 1 nil to Norwich, who went on to win the final, retaining the trophy that they won last year.
That makes 2 years in a row that Eastleigh’s over 70’s have reached the late stages, which must make us amongst the strongest sides in the country. As our over 65’s ‘grow older’, who knows. they might go a step further!
Charity Walking Football Day raises over £1600
Saturday 18th June saw our charity walking football day, kicked off (literally) in style by his worship, Cllr Adam Manning, Mayor of Eastleigh.
The weather was kind, dry but not too hot, and there was good competition through the day.
The objective of raising money for the RNLI, Hampshire Air Ambulance and McMillan Nurses was achieved with over £1600 raised to date with more to come in.
More follows with pictures.
Meantime, if anyone holds a blue raffle ticket in the number range 611-615 you are the lucky winner of 2 tickets to an Eastleigh FC game this coming season. All other prizes have been claimed.
Thanks to all individuals and other walking football clubs who supported us and also to prize donors, including Eastleigh FC, Sherwoods Restaurant, Romsey and Dibden Golf Clubs and the Concorde Club.
Pictures from the charity day 18 June 2022
We were pleased to raise money for MacMillan, RNLI and Hampshire Air Ambulance
His Worship, the Mayor of Eastleigh, Cllr Adam Manning, kicks off the charity day.
MIXED RESULTS IN DOUBLE HEADER IN NATIONAL CUP
Sunday 12th June saw Eastleigh entertain Torquay at over 50 level and Plymouth Argyle at over 65. The two visiting teams travelled together and the games were played back to back.
Torquay ran out 3 2 winners in the first game. In the second, Eastleigh won 4 nil following the loss of an Plymouth player to a straight red card early in the game.
BACK ON THE NATIONAL CUP TRAIL
Our over 65’s started out on the national cup trail on Saturday 14th May with a second round 7 nil win at home to Exeter. We had a bye in the first round. The goals were shared around with 2 for Bob Watts and singles from Martin Gallop, Geoff Harrison, James Trant, Barry Joslin and Micky Pink.
Eastleigh win ‘Club of the Year’ at Eastleigh Borough Sports Awards
9th May. Eastleigh were voted ‘Club of the Year’ at the Eastleigh BC Sports Awards at the Ageas Bowl Hilton. Chairman John Hunter was presented with the award by BBC’s sports reporter Andy Moon with Saints’ Franny Benali also being there. The award reflects the hard work put in throughout the club as it has grown through and beyond the pandemic.
On the same evening the club sent an over 50’s squad to Portsmouth to play Mountbatten (see below) and also held the usual Monday night session at Eastleigh catering for some 24 members. It shows how much the organisation has grown that we were able to resource 3 simultaneous activities on the same evening.
Eastleigh over 50’s progress to 3rd round of national cup
9th May. Eastleigh over 50 side overcame Mountbatten of Portsmouth by 4 goals to 1 to move into the 3rd round of the national cup. Eastleigh scorers were Tim Cole and Mark ‘Smudger’ Smith with 2 goals apiece.
WFA ENGLAND TEAM MANAGER PRESENTS TEAM OF THE YEAR AWARD
On 17th March, England national Walking Football manager presented our 2021 cup winning squad with the WFA Team of the Year award. A great recognition of last year’s achievement.
Watch a video kindly recorded by students from Solent University facilitated by Tom Mulholland, Eastleigh FC’s head of Media.
IMPORTANT: On Thursday 14th and 21st April our Thursday sessions will be at Hants FA, Stoneham Lane
School Easter holiday weeks means that the Eastleigh FC soccer schools take priority so we will switch to HFA Stoneham FOR 2 WEEKS and of course only the Thursday sessions are affected. Timings will as per our usual Thursday sessions. If you have not played at Stoneham before, you will need to register with them and get a QR code. Go to
THE USUAL SYSTEMS WILL BE IN PLACE FOR PRE-BOOKING FOR BOTH THE ‘GOLDEN OLDIES’ WITH KEITH AND EVERYONE ELSE WITH LES. SO DON’T FORGET TO BOOK AND GO TO THE RIGHT LOCATION!
Eastleigh Walking Football shortlisted for Eastleigh Borough Council Sports Awards ‘Club of the Year’
March 9th 2022. Eastleigh Borough Council have just announced the shortlist for their annual Sports Awards. We are proud and delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted in the ‘Club of the Year’ category. This award is not just about recognition of individual events, like winning the national cup. It is more about how a club positions itself in the local community delivering sporting opportunities and playing its part within the local environment. This was particularly important working through, and coming out of the pandemic.
The awards evening is at the Hilton at the Ageas Bowl on Monday 9th May.
Walking Football welcomes Lee Bradbury to EFC
All at Eastleigh FC Walking Football welcome Lee Bradbury as the new manager of Eastleigh FC. We wish you every success in Eastleigh’s continuing campaign for Football League status.
Another England call up for Eastleigh player
James Trant and Ross Everton were amongst the inaugural selections for the England Walking Football international side. James played in the first ever international and is still involved with the England set up as both player and coach in the over 65 group.
February 2022 sees another of our players selected for an England call up and our congratulations go to Sarah Harper who has been selected for the England over 50 women’s squad.
Before walking football and before joining Eastleigh, Sarah has played all over Europe. In Germany she played for the likes of Borussia Monchengladbach and Hertha Berlin, in Italy with AS Roma and Belgian side AFC Nimy.
She has also played for Southampton Red Star (Saints) and coached both Saints and Pompey.
We are delighted that Sarah plays her walking football at Eastleigh and hope that her presence will help attract even more ladies to our group.
Walking Football donates to the Mayor of Eastleigh’s Charity
Mayor visits Eastleigh walking football
Click on this link for photo and report
Over 65 Cup Winning Squad win Governing Body Team of the Year
February 13th – the Walking Football Association have awarded the Team of the Year accolade to Eastleigh’s over 65’s in recognition of winning the national cup back in October. Our impressive record in both the qualifying stages and finals day set us apart from other teams.
To reach finals day, Les Gatrell’s squad played in 4 regional qualifiers against tough opposition. Eastleigh scored 10 goals in the qualifiers, conceding only one.
Finals day was a round robin competition between the 6 qualifying teams. Eastleigh topped the league, winning 4 and drawing the other game, returning 13 points out of 15. Despite winning the league, the competition rules called on Eastleigh to play a semi final and final, making 7 matches on the day in order to win the cup. Throughout finals day the team scored 7 goals, conceding only 1. Even that was a penalty, awarded when an Eastleigh player stepped into the goal area. 7 games against the best in the age group and no goals against in open play.
What sets Eastleigh apart from other winners? The goals for and against are covered above but analysis shows that Eastleigh scored on average one goal every 15.5 minutes, conceding once every 132.5 minutes. That is, over 2 hours playing time between goals conceded.
One of the keys to our success has been an insistence within our own sessions of a zero tolerance approach to running and physical contact.
Clearly the judges felt that combination of winning and clean but competitive play was enough to set us apart from other entrants. Well done Les and all who took part, both in the qualifiers and finals day.
Eastleigh FC Walking Football 2022 AGM
We had our 7th annual AGM on Thursday January 14th at Eastleigh FC. Some 40 members attended.
John Hunter was re-elected as chairman and the rest of the committee stood for re-election and were duly re-elected.
Cup winning squad acknowledged on the Silverlake pitch
Half time at Eastleigh’s game against Solihull Moors on December 14th was the date when our over 65 squad were recognised when the players took to the pitch.
Eastleigh Walking Football on the telly
Click on the link above
To see our coverage on Meridian ITV on Friday 10th December. Sarah Gomme, sports reporter from Meridian ITV, interviewed both tournament manager Les Gatrell and chairman John Hunter, as well as filming some of the day’s footballing session of our highly tuned group of athletes! Don’t blink though, you might miss it!
Just Champion (as they say in Yorkshire!)
Our over 65 group triumphed at Barnsley at national finals day. The overnight stay on the night before was worth it!
We played 5 mini league games, winning 4 and drawing one, against Norwich, which was sufficient for us to top the group.
We then played the locals, Leggy Mambos, who are from Barnsley in the semi final and won on penalties.
We then won a closely fought final beating Norwich this time, James Trant scoring the only goal.
Well done to player/manager Les Gatrell and the entire squad for the magnificent achievement of being national champions for the second time in four years (with a pandemic in between!)
The EFC minibus was rocking on the way back home!
EASTLEIGH FC LAUNCH 75 YEAR ANNIVERSARY KIT
Our parent club, Eastleigh FC have launched their new 75 year anniversary kit. You can see the launch video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1IEthOSxaw
Look out for cameos from our own Micky Pink (who tried to nick a pair of shorts at the photoshoot!) and Paul Baker. Sadly Paul did not get a speaking part but Micky Pink will be donating his fee to charity!
VE HAF VAYS OF MAKING YOU VALK – EFC WF INTRODUCE NEW REGIME TO ENFORCE WALKING
