Fleet of Foot Walking Football Club

Fleet of Foot is a fast growing club in a fast growing sport attracting both men and women. Present membership is in excess of 70.

The club is based at the new Hart Leisure Centre in Hitches Lane where they have the use of modern 3G pitches.

Three sessions are run per week; every Tuesday and Thursday, 2pm – 3pm, open to all, and Thursday 7pm – 8pm for Ladies. Once a month, the evening session is Mixed. The ladies section would welcome more members.

Sessions cost £3 payable only on the times you attend. Club membership is currently set at a one-time £10 for which you receive a club shirt and entitlement to play in friendly matches, tournaments and charity events of which we have a growing number.

Competitively, the men play at 60+ and 65+ level.

 There is a growing social calendar. It is usual to meet post session in the Centre’s coffee shop and have Christmas lunches, summer BBQ’s and quiz nights. 

 The club is sponsored by EveryOne Active and Specsavers in Fleet and the Exchequer in Crookham Village. 

We aim to be an informal and friendly group providing both physical and social well being in the community.

For further information contact Robin by emailing  robglen37@yahoo.co.uk   or text 07799 66445

 

From Walking Football.com  

We’re all focused on football with the World Cup.. but closer to home, the Fleet of Foot team recently enjoyed a charity match in aid of Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice

Eleven women’s walking football teams from a 60-mile radius were invited to take part, including Bracknell, Great Wakering, Cheshunt, Arsenal, Portsmouth, and X Saints.

The home side, Fleet of Foot, entered two teams into the competition, and for some players it was their first experience of taking part in a tournament.

Some 26 games were played in total with match officials being supplied by the Fleet of Foot men’s walking football team.
“High quality football was enjoyed by players and spectators alike”

Ann Goddard tells us: “High quality football was enjoyed by players and spectators alike, with tough competition and a great team spirit being displayed by everyone. Congratulations to the overall winners, Bracknell Blues and the runners up, X Saints who just lost out to penalties in the final.”

Following the tournament, there was a buffet and prize giving where the teams socialised together and celebrated their efforts.

As well as enjoying the tournament, the players collectively raised £671.50 for Phyllis Tuckwell, making the event even more worthwhile.
Fleet of Foot women’s walking football was well supported by Everyone Active for this event at Hart.

Aimed primarily at the over-40s (but all ages are welcome), Fleet of Foot women’s walking football takes place on Thursdays, 7-8pm at Hart Everyone Active in Emerald Avenue, Fleet GU51 5HS. For more information or to arrange a free taster session, please email Sue on  

  sue_scarlett@ntlworld.com.

Ellie Cox

Source & Full Report: https://roundandabout.co.uk/berkshire/womens-walking-football-fun-fleet-fundraiser/ 

 

Selected for SE Region Over 50's

They are two of a kind at Fleet of Foot - and celebrating promotion to a higher level of walking football.

Step forward Sue Scarlett and Elaine Tookey, who have both been selected for the South East region’s over 50s women’s squad after successful trials.

The pair’s marvellous achievement is another proud moment for Fleet of Foot  and the supportive staff at Hart Leisure Centre where the club is based.

The pair’s colleague Adrian Bunting set the benchmark by becoming a member of the first England over 75s squad

Adrian,  who stepped up to the South Region himself, is not surprised to see Sue and Elaine make it a remarkable treble for Fleet of  Foot.    

He said:  “ I had always believed that both players had the skill sets to progress beyond domestic club football.  

“ Elaine is at her best playing wide right or left, has a good first touch and high energy levels.

“ Sue prefers to play as a central player, midfield or striker, and possesses a powerful shot with both feet, and is very fit.  

“ A season of inter-region tournament football with the regular travel that comes with such commitment, will decide whether either or both want to progress to England trials”

Sue and Elaine are unanimous in stating it is “ a dream come true” to be selected.
 
Sue, a swimming teacher and cafe assistant at the leisure centre,  said: “ The moment I read the news from the WFA (Walking Football Association) SE England manager I was elated. 

“It is a  very proud moment for me to have been selected. I read the message three times for it to sink in. 

“I realised then what an incredible and privileged opportunity for me to play at this level at my age. A dream come true.”

Elaine said: “When I went to senior school I was told that I wasn't allowed to play football because I was a girl, 

“So nearly 50 years later to be selected to play for the England SE region squad is a dream come true.
 
“Playing  twice a week for Fleet of Foot has been an inspiration. Walking football is a great game to play and I have met some amazing people.”


                                                   Mini Festival 

Fleet of Foot ladies team were  invited to a mini festival, in the extreme heat of a glorious sunny day, in Portsmouth. 

And with 20 members in the group,  coach Sue Scarlett was delighted that 12  came along for an enjoyable and social afternoon. 

To cap off a marvellous midday, the ladies got home in time for the first of England’s games

Southampton, Portsmouth and Fleet of Foot fielded  two teams of six players at the festivall.

Sue said: “A couple of  Fleet of Foot players had their first experience of playing in a game and what a wonderful display of enthusiasm and determination they showed,  
“Nerves were never an issue. All games were played in such a good spirit. We managed a couple of wins, draws and losses between us . 

 

“It was such a relief to get back into outdoor exercise and social interaction again after such a difficult 16 months

“Thank you to Giorgio of Portsmouth’s men's walking football  group and Vanessa of Southampton ladies walking football group for organising an enjoyable afternoon


Sue added: “Walking football has many health benefits and offers social benefits too. It has an incredible ability to bring people together and  it creates interaction for individuals thus preventing isolation.


“Fleet of Foot ladies  have had so much support from the club’s  male members, sponsors, the Exchequer pub and Everyone Active at  Hart Leisure Centre. I would personally like to thank them all for making this possible.”


The ladies train on Thursdays based at Hart leisure centre in Fleet  between 7-8pm with a mixed ability and age group

 

Adrian in England Squad 

Adrian Bunting has been called up for the first England over 75s walking football squad, much to the delight of his Fleet of Foot colleagues.

Chairman Robin Howard spoke for the group when he said: “Many congratulations to Adrian on his selection.

“Adrian has been a member of the South East 70+ squad for the past two seasons and now makes the major step up. We wish him all the best.”

Adrian got the news he was waiting for after trials at Solihull, where he played three games, and did enough to impress manager Danny Ward and his assistant Des Bremner.

Yes, the Des Bremner , a former European Cup winner with Aston Villa, who now struts his stuff with their walking football affiliate. 
 
Adrian will be back at Solihull on July 25 when the south east will face the south west, north and central in a regional tournament.

Following the four-team event a first and second XI will be selected and they will go head-to head the following month at St George’s Park. 

Once of Army Crusaders, Stockport County youth team and Manchester Boys, Adrian has been a member of Fleet of Foot for five years.

ORANGE GLOW: Adrian Bunting (4th from the left, middle row)

 

 

John Palmer turned 80 in November but his love for football shows no sign of abating.



Not just watching the beautiful game and supporting Hartley Wintney- but playing it as well as he has done the past 70 years.

John  is the senior member at Fleet of Foot. Here, in his own words, is why he is looking forward to returning  to action in the near future. 

HAVING A BALL 

For me walking  football is nothing like the real thing but it is a great way to get enjoyment and pleasure from the game at an older age.

l started out at FOF four to five years ago - as well as Yateley . It is important to keep up physical activity.

I find I need something I really enjoy to make this happen and walking football does just that for me. 

Also, the banter with the other guys is something that is good for your mental well being. 

It is a very well organised  and well supported club. That is why I chose to join. The pitches are excellent as is the equipment provided by Hart Leisure Centre.   

So if anyone fancies having a go at walking football  then FOF is definitely a club to try. They make you very welcome. 

YOUNG AT HEART

The only downside for me at my age is that there are no age groups as such so anyone over 50  up to whenever can play together. 

This means I could be playing against a guy 30 years younger than me which is a challenge but it is something you have to take into account when you join a walking football group. 

However, the rules are a great leveller and provided you are sensible it is not an issue.

Also it is a great feeling when you get one over a younger guy! It helps you to keep your competitive spirit. I would recommend it to all former players and anyone who would like to have a go

EARLY DAYS

I started serious football very young and was school captain around 10/11 years of age. 

I grew up in a hotbed of top amateur football and was surrounded by Wimbledon, Tooting and Mitcham, Sutton United and Carshalton Athletic, so it was the ambition of all the local lads to play for one of these teams. 

I joined Tooting and Mitcham boys when I was still at school and it all started from there. In those days all the blokes from these teams played with their mates on Sundays.

So  the local Sunday League was first class and we all played in that. The highest level I played in was what we now call non-league but to us it was  amateur football.

My favourite position was centre half because Iwas two footed and my strength was reading the game.  Also being over 6ft helped in that position.

FINAL WORD

I would like to thank all the players at FOF for being good sports and good company and for making no allowances whatsoever for me at my tender age of 80!

Author: Ken Gaunt, FOF press officer

Walking Football: the Fleet club improving fitness and health in the older generation | Meridian | ITV News
Walking Football Warm-up for Fleet of Foot                    

Over  50's session using hand weights                          

 

From Ken Gaunt, Fleet of Foot press officer

Fleet of Foot women have gone into 2020 with a surge of optimism and enjoyed their first outing of the year against Walton at Hart Leisure Centre.

Numbers are rising across the club and 15 players attended.with the visitors also fielding two teams. 

Four games were played under the stewardship of referees Steve Boot and Clint Tookey, who are both members of the men’s section.

FoF coach and captain Sue Scarlett said: “It was a great start to the new year and the weather was good as well.

The games were played with good humour and at a very good level. “We all finished with a deserved cup of tea in the cafe. “

 

Ladies Fleet of Foot Tournament

  Fleet of Foot women were delighted with the success of their first mini- tournament at Hart Leisure Centre in Fleet, operated by Everyone Active and organised by Sue Scarlett. 

Sue said: “It was great to see teams from Portsmouth, Fulham and Walton in a sport that is becoming popular across the country.” 
  

  The tournament was held to raise money for ‘Dig Deep Charity’. A charity that are committed to monitoring the projects they have funded, to aid the poor communities of Kenya, by providing access to clean running water. 

 Money raised went towards Jess Hayward, daughter of one of Fleet’s members, to climb Kilimanjaro in September in support of Dig Deep.

  Two Fleet of Foot Teams consisted of all their 12 members. This was a first tournament for some of their members with all participants joining in five, small sided games of five-a-side. 

 Sue said: “It proved to be quite a fun and enjoyable experience, especially for the first timers! The games were played in good spirit.”  

 Many members of  the men’s team and some husbands  helped and supported in various ways. 
 

 They contributed by refereeing, time keeping, taking photos, spectating and by providing equipment and donations.

 After the tournament a buffet was held for all the visitors, spectators and helpers which was sponsored by local company Dynamag Ltd and  organised and supplied by Elaine, one of the team members.

 Fleet of Foot women is well supported by Everyone active at Hart and is open to all ages on their new 3G outdoor pitch on Thursdays 7-8pm
Contact  hartinfo@everyoneactive.com for more information or just come along and pay and play on the day.

Dig Deep website https://www.digdeep.org.uk/

Link to Video

 

Club Championship

Fleet Of Foot walking football club members showed a kind Hart when they staged their club championship.


Sponsored by the Exchequer pub, Crookham Village, and with Hart Leisure Centre providing free pitches, £330  was raised for children’s charity,  Piggles Trust.

Club founder Robin Howard said: “This was the biggest and best tournament we have run so far.  

“So a big thanks to Everyone Active , the Exchequer for prizes and all who played and donated including members of Fleet U3A.”

Long-standing club member Jim  Hill organised the event and it proved to be a popular attraction for men and women.

With about 40 players participating, the players were split into five teams, playing seven-side under Walking Football Association rules.

The Purples came out on top after four matches and Dave Porter had the honour of being named player of the tournament.

Meanwhile FOF over 60s advanced to the second round of the WFA National Cup after beating Oxford 1-0 at home.  Rob Rowley scored a late winner after being set up by Mark Pirie.

 


WOMAN'S WALKING FOOTBALL

Sue Scarlett (Captain)
Sarah Smith
Elaine Tookey (weather prevented arrival)
Sara Collyer
Ann Goddard
Anna Hartley
Cathy Cross
Jessica Barne (weather prevented arrival)
Steven Boot (our driver and Supporter, weather prevented arrival)

 

 

Giorgio Columbi got in touch with me via Robin of Fleet of Foot. He invited 8 of our women, from fleet of foot, to participate in some friendly games against Portsmouth Womens Walking Football, at their training ground in Portsmouth, Roko/Play Football Community Centre, followed by a Buffet lunch for all in the study area of Portsmouth fratton park. This was then followed by promotion photos on pitch side of Fratton Park and complimentary tickets for all the players to watch Portsmouth play Doncaster.
The weather at our end was snow and ice, making it impossible for two players to get to Portsmouth. We managed to squeeze 6 players and kit in a 7 seater and negotiated the snowy roads to get onto the clear motorway.

Giorgio was well organised with everything and looked after us from the minute we arrived to the end of Pompeys match. He got us 2 parking permit tickets, literally, outside the ground and ensured that we reached our seats safely at the ground. Our other car with player number 7 arrived, hasten to say, after the walking football games, due to being snowed in. However, Giorgio guided them by phone to our location and parking and escorted them to the buffet lunch. It was good that they arrived for the promotion photos but disappointing for them not to get to the matches in time, due to the weather.
On Arrival at 10.58am to start at 11.00am, we were greeted in the car park by a colleague of Giorgio, who led us to the playing 7 a side pitches, where Giorgio and Porstmouth Ladies were ready to go. A quick change of clothing and warm up and we were ready to go! Giorgio refereed all the matches very fairly with rules in place and no running!. We didn’t have time for nerves as we were straight in without thinking about it.

 



The first two games were strictly 3 touch only, which proved to be beneficial to us as we practice this on our training nights, and 8 minutes each half. 8 minutes each half was a little exhausting without substitutes but due to our ability and strength we managed to settle, letting the ball do the work and enjoying ourselves. The next two games were as many touches as you like. We won 3 games and drew 1 game scoring 8 goals between us due to excellent shooting and passing from team players. The games were played in good spirit with some fine shooting and saves by both teams. Portsmouth Woman had only been playing together for a short while compared to our 18 months which proved to show our strengths in passing and shooting. We remembered that when we started, we couldn’t put 2 passes together and now we can control, pass and shoot. Lots of progression in all aspects.

Giorgio has a passion for walking football. He plays in the Portsmouth Mens walking football and there are many trophies in their cabinet to show what a great team they are. He is very keen to promote the womans walking football and he feels that he is beginning to now build up a picture of Women teams who would be happy to come down for a tournament.
We learnt a lot from this experience and hopefully will go on to better things. The key is to enjoy it and we certainly did but also the privilege of being able to play at an age when most of us thought our playing days were behind us.

Giorgio emailed us and Pompeys ladies tweeted that evening and thanked us for our perseverance and determination in making it down to Portsmouth braving the snow and terrible weather conditions in Fleet. They said it was such a memorable day out for them too.

Pompey want return matches to our venue in the future