No walk in the park: Mark helps England to Veterans World Cup semi-final
Falcon Mark Hughes, who currently plays the walking game for our 60s, 65s and 70s teams, made a memorable return to the full-on game last month with the honour of playing for England 70s in the Veterans World Cup.
Mark had trialled for the squad in May and made his debut in a friendly in July. He was then selected for the World Cup squad for the annual international tournament. This year it was held in Cardiff from the 20th to 24th August with a total of 14 teams from around the globe competing in 70 and 75 age group tournaments. The line-ups included Australia, Canada, Denmark, England, Germany, the USA, and Wales.
Within the two groups of seven teams competing for a place in the knock out stages (semi-finals) England had two teams – England and England A. An arduous 4 days of playing two one hour matches per day took its toll on both teams but both England sides qualified for the semi-finals and Mark’s team, England A, remained the only unbeaten team in the 6-match qualifying rounds, drawing with the eventual world champions Wales along the way.
In the semi-final an injury ravaged England A team held the US team to 1-1 until shortly before half time when three more injuries to an already weakened side resulted in a 4-1 defeat.
Although it was physically very demanding Mark described it as an experience he would not have wanted to miss and said that representing the country is an honour he hadn’t expect to achieve at this stage of his life.
Congratulations Mark: You did England and Falcons proud.
Gary excels in Irish 50s farewell...
Gary Mathews (pictured with team-mates) bowed out with a fine showing in his last tournament representing Ireland Over-50s in early July. Ireland lost one, drew 3 and won 2 while Gary kept up his record of scoring against every England goalkeeper he has faced.
Gary will now move up to the national over 60s squad with a ringing endorsement from the Over-50s manager who commented: “If the weekend was to be your last with the 50s, what a great way to sign off…myself and others thought you played great – disciplined, head up, passing early and working tremendously hard for the team. Take it to 60s, they need you; teach them the way.”
​Congrats Scouse.
Falcons donate to KitAid
Chairman Rob Evison recently met with Barrie Neal of the charity KitAid who came down from Chelmsford to collect sets of Falcons’ old long sleeved kits which we had accumulated since 2017. Barrie also received a donation of footballs and other equipment from The Len Forge Centre.
Our kits, bearing the Falcons badge, will now be worn by football lovers in another part of the world. Barrie wrote to thank the club for the donation, saying: “A super quality kit donation from Eastwood Falcons Walking Football Club - massively appreciated. Now beginning a journey to a new part of the world, where the game is loved, but is held back by a lack of access to kit and equipment”
“The Falcons kit donation this week follows over 1 million items of kit donated since KitAid’s formation in 1998.”
“Your donation of kit ensures others get to enjoy a special moment too when they get to wear your colours & Club badge, and though many miles away they will know Eastwood Falcons Walking Football Club, your generosity and commitment to 'spreading smiles for the love of the game.’ “
Travel & Transfers: Falcons recommends…
If any Falcons are in need of excellent transport/transfers services then the club highly recommends 50s team-mate Darren Graham’s firm DCH Travel. DCH handles airport transfers and transport for weddings, funerals, stag-dos, sporting events and more. You can contact Darren on 07477 505889 or dchtravelltd@gmail.com