A Thank You From The Chairman
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Felixstowe and Walton United will be playing at step 4 in the football league pyramid from the 2018/19 season. For me, club chairman since 2010, has seen a meteoric rise from a humble, plodding along, holding our own, quiet little step five football club that averaged 60 spectators at 1st team home games, the raising & lowering of floodlights match after match, training session after training session, hosting our opponents in a dilapidated oversized shed we dared to call our club house, to a football club now envied by many not just at step 5 but by many step 4 & 3 clubs.
In those seven or so years we have seen our first team home gates increase from an average of 60 to and average of 380. I, as club chairman, have been blessed to have so many wonderful people who have been doing a thankless job working tirelessly behind the scenes, driving and promoting a football club that has won the hearts of a local community. It is to those people I dedicate these words.
We have one guy, whom I respect immensely, will sadly be putting the computer key board & his pen away for good. The man we call ‘Seasider’ has been involved at our football club for more years than I can think about in one form or another and I am disheartened that his debilitating illness has forced his arm. Phil is a great guy, a Seasider throughout and although he won’t be scribing club notes in the local media or keeping the club website well informed with updates, he will still be seen at his beloved Goldstar ground getting behind his best loved football team. From all age groups to the seniors at the club, we really do appreciate the incredible work our Phil has done for many years. A true stalwart if ever there was one.
We have the Ryan’s, who have been involved behind the scenes helping out at the club whenever something was going on. From all age groups in our youth section to U18’s reserves & seniors, Chris & Jane are there doing all they can to ensure those attending have a fantastic Felixstowe & Walton United experience. Not just that but also a plethora of jobs around the ground and in the clubhouse. Chris & Jayne, whilst continuing to help out at the ground, will be stepping down from the club committee.
And finally, to all those who have volunteered and contributed so much of their time to our football club (so many to actually mention) helping us achieve the reality of becoming a quality Community football club, that has realised a seven year dream to play at step 4 in the football league pyramid. From the youngsters, the parents/guardians, coaches, youth committee to U18’s reserves, seniors and the main club committee, YOU have made this club what it is to day and really do deserve the plaudits. Here’s to a new chapter in the football clubs history and may the next ten years be as successful as the last seven.
Andy Wilding - Chairman