Silverware, standing ovations, and well-earned celebrations took centre stage at Hamworthy’s County Ground for the annual DSWFC Presentation Evening.
The end-of-May event brought the curtain down on an unforgettable season, honouring everything from goalkeeping heroics and historic goal-scoring feats to the vital off-field dedication that powers the club.
Golden Boots: Goalscoring Heroes
The goalscoring awards highlighted incredible resilience and timeless talent across the age groups.
50s Top Scorer: Gary Craig
Gary claimed the award with 13 goals, remarkably breaking Luke’s long-standing stranglehold on the trophy. Gary’s achievement is even more impressive given he spent the previous season sidelined with a ruptured Achilles, and joined the club as a defender. Regular top-scorer Luke finished closely behind with 10 goals in an injury-interrupted campaign.
60s Top Scorer: Brian Hooper
Brian secured the accolade after leading the front line with 5 goals over the course of the season. Brian’s impact was built on ultimate reliability, as he was an ever-present figure for the team by appearing at all six league tournaments. He was one of only three players across the entire squad to achieve perfect attendance this season, sharing that proud distinction with John Gray and Mark Sanderson.
65s Top Scorer: Merv Young
Merv netted an incredible 11 goals. At 75 years old, Merv is the club’s oldest active player, proving that age is just a number when it comes to finding the back of the net. His stellar club form caps off a truly historic year, which also saw him earn a well-deserved call-up to the England Walking Football squad.
Players of the Season: Guarding the Net and Inspiring the Squad
The individual player awards celebrated outstanding defensive leadership and veteran excellence.
50s Player of the Season
Goalkeeper Billy Bulloch won for his inspirational presence. Known for talking non-stop from his goal line to organize his defence, Billy’s stellar year also saw him make his Dorset 50s debut and complete the grueling Lands End to John O’Groats cycling challenge in which he raised £3,675 for Diverse Abilities.
60s Player of the Season
Dave Bacall took home the trophy, ensuring it was a double victory for DSWFC’s goalkeeping union with another set of standout performances between the posts. Dave also works tirelessly behind the scenes ensuring all our finances and squad lists are up together.
65s Player of the Season
Ed Perkins was voted the standout player for the oldest age group. As the second-oldest player at the club, Ed’s consistency and work rate set a brilliant example for the entire squad. Ed’s also a published author you know!
Clubman of the Year: Off-Field Dedication
The final and most prestigious club award of the evening went to Darren Snell. Darren was named Clubman of the Year in recognition of his tireless work promoting DSWFC both on and off the field.
The award also celebrates his massive contribution to the wider local walking football community, specifically his dedication to managing the Dorset 60s Walking Football Team.
The Evening in Photos
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