Thames Walking Football

13/06/2026

DOMINGO, SUNDAY. IV INTERNATIONAL WALKING FOOTBALL CUP 2026 . WALK...

13/06/2026

SABADO SATURDAY. IV INTERNATIONAL WALKING FOOTBALL CUP 2026 . WAL...

07/06/2026

Busy Day for some of our Thames members ⚽️

Pete B, Brian B, Rich L, Nick G, Bill B and Mark C all representing Surrey Over 65’s at Coleshill Football Club in the WFLA Inter League Finals.
Finishing third in the country. 🥉

Kev C and Martin M representing Surrey Over 70’s in the same competition and also Finishing third in the country. 🥉

And our very own Nigel R representing England over 65’s in Alicante and bringing home the trophy 🏆 🥇

05/06/2026

Surrey leagues 60s 4/06/26.

First up were Walton although a much stronger Walton than we’ve seen in the recent times it was a fairly routine 2-0 win for Thames with Mark Clark netting both goals.
Good start.

Next were Teddington and they were without one of their better players Johnny Par who was injured. We started like a train and went into a 2 goal lead once again Mark Clark coming up with the goods. However the lack of discipline, which is a problem, we conceded our first pen for 4 infringements and conceded. We then managed the game reasonably well and ran out 2-1 winners!! Although a win is a win we really should have buried this poor Teddington side.

We then come up against Godalming. They had a full strength side out and we were without 2 key players, but we started well and once again Mark Clark put us one up. Then things began to implode we conceded and equaliser fairly quickly and then a second goal so 1-2 down. Once again we concede a pen due to more infringements 1-3 down at halftime. Second half started well and we were awarded a pen which was nicely dispatched by you know who!! Mark. Just as it seemed we might get an 3rd goal we unfortunately had a player blue carded. Still trying to get the equaliser we conceded a late 4th goal to lose 2-4 to our old foes.

Over all can’t complain but somehow we need to temper our fouls and conceding pens to further our progress. Lastly special thanks to all the players and especially to JW for playing on field for us in our hour of need.

Match report by John G

05/06/2026

Surrey League Walking Football
Multi-Age Round 3

With ground to make up on the league leaders, Thames WF arrived for Round 3 on a blustery but sunny afternoon determined to climb the table.
Squad
Defence: Jonny W, Martin M
Midfield: Steve B, Simon H, Rich L, Gary H
Forward: Mark C

Thames WF 2–0 Woking
Thames got their afternoon off to the perfect start with a solid 2–0 victory over Woking. The breakthrough came from the penalty spot, with Gary H calmly converting. Thames continued to control proceedings and doubled their advantage when Rich L found the net to secure all three points and a clean sheet.

Thames WF 0–1 Blues
The second match saw Thames face their rivals, the Blues, knowing a win would significantly close the gap at the top of the table. In a tightly contested encounter, Thames were left frustrated after a lapse in discipline resulted in a penalty, which the Blues converted late on to take the lead.
To their credit, Thames responded with some excellent football in the closing stages and pushed hard for an equaliser. With virtually the last kick of the game, Mark "Clarky" C came agonisingly close, his effort crashing against the upright. It wasn't to be, and Thames were left wondering what might have been.

Thames WF 2–0 Farnham
The final game of the afternoon saw Thames finish strongly. Rich L opened the scoring in spectacular fashion with a blockbuster strike that gave the goalkeeper no chance. A few minutes later, Clarky timed his run perfectly and slipped through to make it 2–0.
Farnham were handed a lifeline when Thames again conceded a penalty, but Jonny W produced a superb save to preserve both the clean sheet and the victory.

Round-Up
A return of 6 points from 9 represents a positive afternoon, but Thames will feel it could, and perhaps should, have been the full nine. Fine margins and costly lapses in discipline proved the difference, particularly against the Blues.
There were plenty of positives, however: two clean-sheet victories, some excellent football throughout the afternoon, goals from Rich L (2), Gary H, and Mark C, plus a crucial penalty save from Jonny W.
As the league table tightens up, Thames remain firmly in the hunt, knowing that turning those fine margins in their favour could quickly see them climb the standings.

Match Report by Kevin C

02/06/2026

Ascot Tournament 31st May 2026
Over 50’s match report.

An Ascot United festival of walking football,simply had to have Thames representation in age categories for all ages. Step forward a mixture of Thames Members and friends of the Thames family of football! On an overcast day but with the temperatures a notch or two down from recent scorchers, could the 50-64 squad bring home some Silverware??

- Kicking off against a very strong Binfield side saw a 1-2 defeat inflicted on us, despite a fine equaliser from the potent left peg of Sadek. The first of many from him on the day. Binfield a quick-ish, physical team with quality all round.

- The hosts up next, Sadek again on the score sheet but almost from kick off, Ascot down the other end, the winger darting in from the right and nicking one past a stranded Tony O. 1 each it stayed.

- Game 3 saw another 1-1 draw, Simon H notching for Thames this time. Again pegged back and a controversial (to say the least) penalty, due to a misunderstanding of WF rules, fortunately and very kindly off target from the Bracknell centre forward.

- Two group games left and overdue 3 points. The wait over when Dave Dyer finished a fine move with a sliding slot past the keeper. A comfortable win and confidence growing.

- Last up Hurst, an early injury for Mitch meaning a lack of rotation in sticky conditions. The ever reliable Dave Dyer getting us an early lead, but as per the Ascot game an almost instant reply from the opposition. Despite some very good link up play throughout, we were unable to gain an advantage and 1-1 it stayed.

- So, onto the knockout stages, playoff for a place in the semi final. Bracknell a 2nd time and with the cobbled together squad starting to really click, up stepped Sadek to put us in front with that trusty left peg. Bracknell not troubling the Thames defence and Tony O having little to do in this one.
- Semi final saw Hurst pitted against us for a place in the finale. Our best performance saved for this one, Simon Hands finishing a fine early move, Dave Dyer drilling in a fine second into the corner. Hurst did manage a consolation but with Jacko controlling possession for Thames a place in the final was well and truly booked!

- Binfield beckoned in the Big one. You could tell this was a final a very cagey affair from start to finish. Dave Fry probing for an opening as he'd done so well all afternoon to no avail. Defences on top in this one and when called upon, Tony more than up to the task from some long range shots fired. Sudden death looked a certainty but with a minute to go for the 2nd time, Thames on the wrong end of a highly dubious penalty. This time courtesy of a contentious DOGSO. Dispatched by Binfield and with 60 seconds to play, not enough time to equalise. Perhaps the additional game played by Thames meant fatigue was a factor. No excuses though, Binfield very worthy winners. No disgrace for our side, who to a man were superb and showcased both the Thames footballing talent pool and just as importantly the togetherness of the walking football family. Runners up on a fantastic day and thanks to Ascot United for a very well organised festival of football.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

01/06/2026

01/06/2026

A busy Sunday with lots of football going on for our Thames members.

- Thames sent 2 teams to the Ascot Tournament our over 50’s finishing 2nd in their group and our over 65’s winning theirs to raise the trophy.

- Thames mixed played in a festival at Hampton Rangers in memory of one of their players that sadly passed away recently. A fun and enjoyable day of football where the scores were secondary to the ethos of the festival. However Thames played their usual style of football winning 5 of their 6 matches and drawing 1. They embraced the spirit of the day where inclusivity outweighed competitiveness.

- A selection of Thames players joined The Bocas this weekend at Tonbridge. Making the final but unfortunately loosing 1-0.

Well done to all our members playing football this weekend whether for Thames or another club, competitive or fun and inclusive. Football, fun and friendship are always the winners.

01/06/2026

Ascot Walking Football Tournament
Date: 31 May 2026
Thames 65s crowned champions after tense shootout

Thames 65s produced a composed, resilient display to lift the Ascot Tournament trophy, navigating an unbeaten run through the group, a clinical semi-final, and a nail-biting penalty shootout in the final.

Group stage: control, clean sheets, and key finishes
- Bracknell 0–1 Thames: A cagey opener settled by a sharp finish from Brian B, setting the tone.
- Ascot Y 0–1 Thames: Brian B struck again, timing his run perfectly to convert the decisive chance.
- Ascot W 0–0 Thames: Defences on top. Thames remained organized and frustratingly hard to break down.
- Woodley 0–1 Thames: Pete B found the breakthrough, capitalizing on sustained pressure.
- Sutton 0–2 Thames: A statement win to finish the group. Goals from Ken and Kevin capped a controlled performance.

With four wins, one draw, and five clean sheets from five group games, Thames advanced brimming with confidence and defensive solidity.

Semi-final: ruthlessness in the key moments
- Bracknell 0–2 Thames: Thames turned the screw when it mattered. Brian B continued his scoring streak, and Jon T added a composed finish to seal a deserved place in the final.

Final:
- Thames 0–0 Sutton (Thames win on sudden-death penalties) In a tight, high-quality final, chances were scarce and both sides’ keepers and back lines stood firm. The contest went to sudden-death penalties. Sutton blinked first, missing their opening kick. Up stepped Jon T with the decisive penalty, burying his effort to spark jubilant celebrations as Thames 65s claimed the trophy.

Standout themes
Defensive steel: A perfect clean-sheet record across open play underscored Thames’s organization and teamwork from back to front.
Big-game temperament: Match-winning contributions spread across the squad, with timely goals and cool heads in the shootout.
Clinical edge: Goals shared by Brian B (multiple key finishes), Pete B, Ken, Kevin, and Jon T ensured Thames always had a threat.
Thames 65s squad Kevin C, Dave G, Ken W, Pete B, Martin M, Zac, Brian B, Jon T, Mark S
Champions’ moment A tournament defined by discipline and decisive finishing ended with Jon T’s nerve from the spot and the squad lifting the Ascot trophy. A complete team effort, unbeaten and unbroken. 🏆

27/05/2026

Bit late posting Thames 65’s West SL match report Round 3

As Thames West sought to extend their unbeaten run, Round 3 of the Surrey League was played out against a traditional May backdrop of rain, hail, sun and wind. West were faced with arch rivals Godalming in the first match, and quickly established territorial superiority. As ever Pete Bickle pulled the strings, feeding striker Nigel Rutter and skilfully bringing in midfield duo Nick Fry and Kevin Canning to establish early dominance over a well organised Godalming outfit who failed to trouble West's keeper Dave Gold, while youth development debutant Dick Hobbs dealt competently with Goldaming's occasional ventures into the Thames half. However, the post and crossbar prevented West from turning their dominance into goals, as the besieged Godalming keeper was peppered with efforts from Thames exceptionally mobile midfield and attack. Eventually the pressure paid off and Godalming's tally of offences led to a penalty that was converted by Nigel Rutter.
Thames West 1 Godalming 0

The game finished as a hailstorm commenced, and the elderly men who had just minutes previously been trying not to run, sprinted with surprising ease into the shelter of the Hub.

When the afternoons matches resumed, Thames West lined up against Farnham in identical fashion to the Godalming match, with player/coach Nick Groombridge selflessly staying on the sidelines from where his dulcet tones echoed across the cold expanse of the Walton and Hersham Hub. Thames continued this game where they had left off against Godalming, with Pete Bickle always available to receive the ball from Nick Fry, Dick Hobbs and Kevin Canning before feeding Nigel Rutter, whose ability to turn his marker and shoot powerfully terrorised the Farnham defence. At the other end Dave Gold made two good saves, and his excellent distribution added significantly to West's attacking potency. Nick Groombridge came on at half time and continued Nick Fry's tireless work up and down the left flank. This time around the post and crossbar failed to blunt West's cutting edge, and Nigel Rutter scored a hat trick from open play that featured a hard working, well organised team performance.
Thames West 3 Farnham 0

With Wimbledon a no-show on the day, Thames West came through this blustery, highly enjoyable 3rd round of the Surrey League with maximum points.

Written by Dick Hobbs