Not quite at the end of the season, we had our end-of-season bash. You know the sort of thing – a bit of music, plenty of drink, vol-au-vonts and trophies.
The club has undergone a numer of changes since the start of the year, including a newly self-appointed committee, two changes of manager, a successful online presence and a number of new signings – all of which point to a positive future for the club.
Anyway, back to the party. It was a well supported event with much positive feedback. The spread of food was good, the music was age-relevant and the end-of-season awards went like this…
50s Player of the Season
Paul Gillis
Upon awarding the Player of the season for the 50s, Andy described Paul as his compadre, consultant, sidekick and right-hand man. Paul has bought into and supported the vision for the squad from day one, and deciding this award was one of the easiest decisions he ever made.
A wonderful club that has become an important part of my life, enabling me to fulfill some childhood ambitions. Brilliantly run with a group of guys that are second to none and pride themselves on their ‘family’ ethos.
“It’s a privilege and a pleasure to be their Captain and Player of the Season.”
Paul Gillis, DSWFC 50s Captain
60s Player of the Season
Peter Kane
In the 60s managers words – “he’s been a great help and led the team well”. He was also the player who kept his head on a difficult day in October when there was so much commotion.
I had a great evening at the Dexters end of season party. I felt so proud and honoured to have received the manager’s 60s player of the season award from John Gray. I joined the club two years ago and it has been a privilege to play alongside a fantastic group of lads.
“Dexters WFC is going from strength-to-strength due to the tireless work from Andy Madden, Paul Kybert and John Gray who form the brilliant committee – big thanks to you guys. Special thanks also to Simon Allen and David Bacall for helping get this club the publicity it deserves.”
Peter Kane, DSWFC 60s Captain
Golden Boot Winner
Luke Hitchen
Unfortunately, Luke wasn’t able to attend the awards ceremony. Fair to say though, without his goal contributions, the 50s would have had a lot less to shout about!
Thank you Dexters Walking Football club! It’s great to receive the Golden Boot Award for most goals scored this season for the 50’s team. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support and hard work of the whole squad.”
“Walking football is a team sport, and every goal I scored was the result of our collective efforts and determination. I’m truly grateful to be part of such an amazing club.”
“Thank you to the committee, our players, and everyone who made this season fun and enjoyable. Here’s to many more victories together!”
Luke Hitchen, DSWFC 50s player
Goal of the Season
Peter Cherryman
Picking up the ball in defence, Peter strode confidently through midfield, evading desperate defenders, to slam a deflected shot into the back of the net.
Dexters end of season party will remain in my memory for a long time. It was great fun to chat and catch up with all the guys and their partners in a different environment.
“The committee and their wives put on a superb spread with Andy’s excellent musical soundtrack in the background. When it came to the awards section of the evening I settled down to cheer the recipients.
“To my amazement when it came to the over 60s team something strange happened. John Gray, our team manager started talking about a goal I had scored in one of our league games. He then proceeded to say I had won the Goal of the Season! I was sure he’d made some sort of mistake, but I wasn’t about to criticise his decision.
“At the age of 67 I had won my first ever footballing award!”
Peter Cherryman, DSWFC 60s player
Clubman of the Year
Simon Allen
For his sterling work in increasing DSWFC’s online presence. Including this website, our growing Facebook page (with followers as far afield as Australia, Canada & Potugal) and his efforts to increase our membership.
It’s a massive honour to receive this award and quite humbling. I enjoy what I do for the club, and enjoy being a part of it too. Thanks to those who felt I deserved to be the Clubman of the Year.”
Simon Allen, DSWFC Digital Content Creator and 50s player
Comment of the Year!
Steve Leatherbarrow
After a DSWFC article appeared in the Canford Heath and Creekmoor Link magazine, Steve passed comment in the Spond group chat. For his comedic response, Steve was awarded with a quality refs whistle – not as random as it seems, as Steve tried reffing a training session a while back with no whistle after Paul (Kybert) forgot it!
I notice it’s a 40 page publication. So far, I’ve bought a conservatory, booked in to see a local solicitor, Ashley Blinds are coming to measure up, getting my oven cleaned, I’ve baked Mary Berry’s chocolate roulade and learnt how to accessorise handbags, skirts and jackets with a ‘playful, edgy, essence’.”
Steve Leatherbarrow, DSWFC 50s player
So, who else was there?
Well, as we said, the event was well supported. Here are some other photos to support that claim…
Get in touch
The physical and mental health benefits of regular exercise are well known. If you’re interested in playing football in a friendly, safety first environment, get in touch with Dexter Sports Walking Football Club now…
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For more tournament updates during the course of the season, including the 50s, 60s and 65s teams, be sure to follow us on our various social accounts to be ahead of the game…
2 Responses
Spanning a difference of very nearly 25 years in age and several stones in weight, it was great to see a picture of our oldest member (Merv Young) and our youngest member (Gary Craig) together.
Think you definitely need an opponent of the year