After just a couple of friendlies, the Farnham Flares, our over 50s walking football team, made their competitive debut in the Dorking Six-A-Side Festival on Tuesday afternoon.
A high quality tournament at the home of the Surrey FA, saw Farnham play three highly competitive games against well-established teams from Dorking, Godalming and Walton.
Despite their inexperience at this level, the Flares gave a good account of themselves with some great team interplay and fine individual performances throughout the tournament.
Thespian Malcolm Ward gave a polished performance in goal, Tony Fairclough, whose recent run-outs as sweeper had been more Dick van Dyke than Virgil van Dijk, looked composed at centre back, while the midfield trio of Richard Price, Andy Stedman and Coffee Diem proprietor George Murray served up several chances for striker Mike Plattern.
A special “word up” must also go to Adam Bowyer, whose cameo appearances off the bench brought a youthful vigour to the right flank and led to Mike Plattern having the honour of scoring Farnham Flare’s first ever competitive goal in a tough 1-1 draw with Walton.
There is no doubt that a draw and two defeats were far less than Farnham’s performances deserved. However the players will take a lot from the tournament, not least a highly enjoyable experience playing against a great bunch of blokes from three top quality sides.
If you’re over 35 and fancy getting active and joining an inclusive, community focussed club, simply come along to our Tuesday evening sessions on the state of the art 3G pitch at Weydon School, Weydon Lane, Farnham GU9 8UG or contact walkers@ftfconline.com
The sessions kick off at 6:00pm and your first one is absolutely FREE!