So, it’s down to business I guess and which is the first club? Well, it could not be anywhere else than Gillingham where I first fell in love with football. I attended my first match on 22nd February 1964 (see below) and my love has rarely waned. I have followed them from Thailand, Spain, India, Sweden, Norway and the USA over the years. In fact an “incident” at Doncaster Rovers a few seasons ago when the over-enthusiastic security did not want to let me in as I had a large backpack. He was not impressed with the fact that I had flown in from Oslo that day and struggled to believe that anybody would do a day trip to Doncaster just to watch a game. It was getting tetchy and I showed him TheShirt blog and some posts on FB about my travels. Sadly over-enthusiastic stewarding and ineffective stewarding have been two of the banes of my life over the past 60 years!

So, when I first visited the Theatre of Farce aka Priestfield Stadium in 1964 they had just got floodlights. I read they were the 89th of 92 clubs to do so. Although I did not really understand it, we got promoted that season from the Forth Division to the Third Division but were apparently unpopular because of our blanket defences. We were ahead of Mou! In fact, the manager a certain Freddie Cox threw a bucket of water over the fans who were complaining about the ultra defensive style. Mmmm.

Jim at Gillingham Legends kindly keeps me up to date with what is happening at the club so I thought that I could return the favour and showcase him here. You will also find him active on Facebook with all his new art.

Jim is a fantastic illustrator and has produced all kinds of memorabilia of Gillingham players. Here is a hardback book that initially sold out within days. He has also produced badges, images of the stadium and the “This Is Your Life” prints above. You can ask him for a print of your first game, promotion game, victory over Leeds United or whatever. Obviously the Wembley games against Manchester City and Wigan are popular …. for very different reasons! I thought the QPR match was interesting. 18 out 22 players played the reverse fixture 24 hours later!


I hope to come back to Gillingham on 22nd February 2024 and will ask Jim to do me a souvenir with the teams.

In the meantime, please consider supporting FC Deportivo Galicia and/or Prostate Cancer UK

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Well, after introducing you to FC Deportivo Galicia and Prostate Cancer UK on days two and three, my final Day of Admin is to introduce you to the Sponsor for the 90 Day Tour. It is my good friends at The Worlds Most Expensive Link who have been supporters of the Shirt project since way back when!

It is a very interesting project that I encourage you to take a look at. I especially encourage you to look at their charity work and I am delighted that they recently made a donation to Prostate Cancer UK. Thanks, guys.

I will let them tell the story, ”

How It Works

• NO MONTHLY FEE! NO REGULAR PAYMENT! JUST OPTIONALLY TOP UP YOUR LINK WHEN YOU WANT!
• To add your link is a ONCE OFF payment and your link will stay on till at least December 31st 2026
• 30% (less VAT & PayPal Payment processing fees) of all income will be donated to charities selected by the participants.
  (Whenever a participant’s total is £10 or more we will make a payment directly to your chosen charity.)
• The site has been live and continuously promoting our participants’ websites since 2007

We are often asked how or why anyone would find this site?

• We will be promoting the website on our website and on other websites.
• We will be promoting it in emails we send out.
• We encourage all participants to link to www.theworldsmostexpensivelink.com from their website.
• The site is self-publicising in that the more people that participate the more people know about it.
• Every time someone else joins the site they will see your link till at least December 31st 2026.
• We send out a monthly newsletter by email to promote the site.
• When someone holds the number one spot we send them a printed certificate for them to display at their business.
• Commission payments are sent out monthly promoting the site.
• Charity payments raised are made in the name of www.theworldsmostexpensivelink.com

It is all bit of fun and an experiment but many people who participated early have already earned back their investment in commission which we pay out to encourage them to keep shouting about the site.

The World’s Most Expensive Link is easy to own.

It simply always goes to the highest bidder. Why not add your link now for as little as a £1?

If you are outbid at anytime and knocked off the top spot you can top up your link to get higher up or back on top.

Other people who want to support you are also able to top up a link.

For Example, if somebody put on a link and it was topped up by £1 per week, a second link added 1 year later would need to pay £53 to get above the first link.

Links don’t devalue over time but will get lower in the list if higher value links are added.

If your links falls from the top spot it will still get long term recognition on Hall of Fame

Your link is guaranteed to stay live until at least December 31st 2026.

Why not add your link now for as little as a £1?”

As you see, www.TheShirt2010.co.uk, www.ThisIsSpain.info, and www.GoWildMagazine.com are all supporters and this week I added FC Deportivo Galicia.

A couple of things to add, they have graciously offered to share the sponsorship with any other organisation who sponsors Prostate Cancer so please do feel to get involved with this project of you are a business looking to get exposure in the UK.

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As I said yesterday, the first two days are spent letting you, my followers, know more about the tour.
Last night I presented FC Deportivo Galicia and today it is the turn of Prostate Cancer UK It is a cause close to my heart and you will have seen several other posts on this site about their initiatives. Locally they have worked with QPR and Brentford and Luton’s Mick Harford has been a longtime supporter of theirs. Perhaps their highest profile supporter is the fundraising machine who is the television presenter Jeff Stelling, MBE (above) whose love for Prostate Cancer awareness and Hartlepool United knows no bounds! Hopefully, I can catch up with Mick and Jeff on my tour. Here is a typical testimonial from Stephen Fry

The excellent Prostate Cancer website has full details but as an overview,

The support you need, your way

If you or your loved one are concerned about prostate cancer or a prostate problem, we’re here for you. Talk through any questions or concerns with our Specialist Nurses over the phone, email or our online chat provided by LiveChat. You can also speak to a volunteer or others going through similar experiences on our online community or via support groups.

Funding research that will stop men dying from prostate cancer

Over the last two decades we’ve funded and accelerated some of the biggest breakthroughs in prostate cancer care – from the use of multiparametric MRI to improve diagnosis, to the world’s first precision medicine for prostate cancer. But we have a lot of work still to do. Click below to hear about our past successes, current research, and what we need your help to fund next.

Read about our research

Risk checker

1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer. If you’re over 50, or you’re black, or your dad or brother had it, you’re at even higher risk.

Prostate cancer is not always life-threatening. But when it is, the earlier you catch it the more likely it is to be cured.

Answer three quick questions to check your risk.

Check your risk

Guys, I would encourage you to do two things, firstly check your risk and, secondly, consider whether you could consider a small donation to their research and support. Click here – every penny goes direct to Prostate Cancer UK.

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(Versión en español abajo)

Maybe the next two days blogs are the most important, they are my “Whys.” When I did my 2010 Tour, I can tell you now there were many days when it would have been easier to give up. You may remember that I lost everything in my life in a storage centre fire. Further on I was left to die in a hit and run accident. The hospital stay and recuperation subsequently put a huge drain on my budget as the insurance refused to pay out. So, I needed a strong “Why?” “Why am I doing this?” The why was strong. I was supporting my friend, Bjorn Heidenstrom and I did not want to let him down. Simple.

This time “Why Number One” is my local football club, FC Deportivo Galicia and Leo Decabo kindly updated the club history for me. Why Number Two is Prostate Cancer UK and I will comment on this tomorrow on Tuktuk Day Three. If you would like to support the club please click here and the money goes DIRECT to FC Deportivo Galicia

I started following the team back in 2017 and since then we have enjoyed nice runs in the FA Vase as well as stability and progress in the Combined Counties League. We survived Covid and last season I did not miss a single game home or away. Twelve buses there and back to Farnborough during the tube strike was not a highlight! Seeing players like Victor, Amar and Matty O develop was. Anton’s goals and the commitment of players like Sam, Alejandro and Milkwood (Dylan Thomas!) made the buses, rain and train stations all part of the days out!

OUR HISTORY

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Our History (versión en español abajo)

The founding and birth of FC Deportivo Galicia in London came about due to a shared understanding and sentiment by a group of Galician migrants who came to the United Kingdom in the 60s.
The political and economic situation surrounding Spain at the time was so difficult that families found themselves making the choice to settle in an unknown country in the hope of a better and more prosperous future. The most trying thing for these families was the constant nostalgic battle on a day to day basis remembering and missing the land that gave them life, the territory they belonged to.
During the 60’s it was west London that saw the majority of Galician migrants settle down and it was in 1968 that a small group of those migrants saw an opportunity, through football, to help each other and somehow share the longing they felt for Spain.

The club was originally formed under the name ‘Centro Gallego de Londres’ however a few years later it joined forces with another Spanish team called ‘Deportivo’ (a club that was formed in honour and in memory of FC Deportivo in a foreign country) and so came the creation of ‘FC Deportivo Galicia de Londres’. The name, perceptibly capturing not only the essence of the ‘Real Club Deportivo La Coruna’ but also the spirit and heart of the whole of Galicia.
Until 1995 the team played in the ‘Harlseden Sunday League’ and progressed continually and consistently which saw them slowly catapulted into first division for the 1991-1992 season.
This would become the most successful and fruitful era in the clubs history so much so that in the 1993-94 season the team won every competition it took part in. The club did not only win the treble, first division, Premier Cup and the Challenge Cup but they also accomplished the Roundwood indoor football tournament.
The second team that was formed in in the 1991-92 season was also successful during this period winning trophies such as the Dwyer Cup.
The club decided to take the next logical step in progression and move up a level as a result of achieving all they could within their reach.

For the 1995-96 season the team began playing in the Middlesex County league on Saturdays.
In this first year the first team won the second division league and were consequently awarded Intermediate Status by the London FA.

The club continued to prosper until reaching the first division in the 1997-98 season. It is at this point when for the first time there are signs of instability in the club as there is a clear high turnover in coaches without managing to fulfil the clubs potential and never achieving the level expected of them.

As the 2006-07 season drew to an end the club found itself having to make a tough decision of dissolving the club. The toughest moment in our history by far. Two long standing players, Leo Decabo and Jose M Andon, refused to give up on the club that had given so much purpose, life and soul to individuals throughout the years making a mark on the history of Galicians in London and so decided to take charge with the sole purpose of reviving the club and ensuring London was not left without a Spanish club.
The club is recognized, not only Spain but in Europe, for deservedly being dubbed as one of the best Spanish amateur teams in a foreign country. The club has shown strength and belief whilst proving why they should be feared by others by claiming international trophies in Germany, France and Belgium.

PRESENT TIME

Thursday 25th April 2013 proved to be a very significant day for the club as it received one of the most prestigious and important accreditation on behalf of the English Football Federation, the honour of being recognized as a ‘FA Charter Standard Club’. This award and recognition is the result of sheer hard work, determination consistency and team work on behalf of all key parts and members that form part of FC Deportivo Galicia de Londres, players, management, admin and supporters.
The majority of players that are now part of the team are in fact sons and grandsons of those who were once part of the original team.
As the team of Centro Gallego de Londres, Centro supports and provides some sponsorship to the team.
Unfortunately this contribution is not near enough to what a team at this position and of this standard needs in order to keep developing.
This is why we are the only team within our category in which the players and coaches finance the club themselves with monthly payments and season inductions.

FUTURE

Short Term
The main objective at the moment and the most pressing is attaining sponsors for next season that are willing to help the club economically.

We have delved into the world of social networking and have a website www.fcdeportivogalicia.com (over 1,000,000 hits since August 2012!!) a Twitter account @FCDGalicia and a Facebook Page, FC Deportivo Galicia – London. We decided to take this step as a way of building on our reputation and most importantly gaining exposure which may help with acquiring much needed sponsors.

Medium Term

Due to the economic crisis that Spain and the rest of Europe is currently suffering, there has been high interest on behalf of young players who have been forced to migrate in search of a better future and who are interested in signing up with the club.

The club is renowned for its helpful, caring and supportive nature, always carrying a ‘family’ essence with it. We ensure that we help these young players as much as we can regarding their move to a foreign country as we understand what a trying time this can be.

We help them with the language, culture and to generally incorporate and integrate themselves as comfortably and easily as possible into London life.

Long Term

Having earned the accreditation of the ‘FA Charter Standard Club’ on behalf of the English Football Association, the aim long term would be to form sub-categories and possibly land a collaboration and agreement with a Spanish club to allow our players to take trials with teams in Spain.


Curious Fact About The Club

Francis Cagigao, who has played for Arsenal and Barcelona B was player and a coach of FC Deportivo Galicia en Londres before taking his fundamental steps into the world of professional football.

Francis is recognized worldwide as one of the best and most talented scouts on the continent and has undoubtedly been a key figure to some of the best football choices in recent times such as the signing of Cesc Fabregas, Cazorla and Monreal for Arsenal.

And now the Spanish version

El nacimiento del Deportivo Galicia de Londres vino impulsado por un sentimiento compartido por un grupo de emigrantes gallegos que emigraron en los años 60 al Reino Unido.

La situación tanto política como económica que atravesaba España por aquellos tiempos hizo que muchas familias decidieran emigrar en busca de un futuro mejor. Para todas esas familias lo más difícil era combatir esa morriña que tenían de la tierra que los vio nacer.

La zona Oeste de Londres fue durante esos años donde la gran mayoría de emigrantes gallegos decidió asentarse. En el año 1968 un pequeño grupo de esos emigrantes vieron una oportunidad única en el fútbol de ayudarse entre sí y de alguna manera combatir la morriña que tenían de España.

El club fue inicialmente creado bajo el nombre de Centro Gallego de Londres. Unos años después de su creación se unió con otro equipo español llamado Deportivo (equipo el cual se fundó como recuerdo en el extranjero del Real Club Deportivo La Coruña) y se formó el FC Deportivo Galicia de Londres. El nombre, evidentemente, capturando no sólo la esencia del Real Club Deportivo La Coruña sino también de todo Galicia.

Hasta el año 1995 el equipo milito en la liga, “Harlesden Sunday League”, dónde continuamente fue progresando hasta llegar a la Primera División en la temporada 1991-92.

Esta es la época más exitosa en la historia del club ya que en la temporada 1993-94 el equipo ganó todas las competiciones en la que participo. No sólo ganó el triplete; Primera División, Premier Cup y la Challenge Cup sino que también gano el torneo Roundwood de fútbol sala. El segundo equipó que se formó en la temporada 1991-92 también fue exitoso durante esta época ganando trofeos como la Dwyer Cup.

El club decidió progresar y subir de categoría al lograr conseguir todos los títulos a su alcance. Para la temporada 1995-96 el equipo empezó a jugar los sábados en la Middlesex County League. Este primer año vio al primer equipo ganar la segunda división y adquirir el status intermediario por la London FA.

El club siguió progresando hasta llegar a la Premier División en la temporada 1997-98. Es aquí cuando surge algo de inestabilidad en club, ya que llegaron a pasar un gran número de entrenadores pero el club nunca llego alcanzar el nivel que se esperaba.

A finales de la temporada 2006-07 el club pasó por sus peores momentos y estuvo muy cerca de desaparecer. Dos jugadores veteranos, Leo Decabo y José M Andón, decidieron llevar las riendas del club y así asegurar que Londres no se quedase sin equipo español.

El club es reconocido, no solo en el Reino Unido, sino también en Europa como uno de los mejores equipos españoles amateurs fuera de España. Llegó a conquistar varios trofeos internacionales en Francia, Alemania y Bélgica.

Actualidad
El jueves 25 de abril del 2013 el club recibió una de las más importantes y prestigiosas acreditaciones por parte de la Federación Inglesa de Fútbol, el honor de ser un “FA Charter Standard Club”. Este reconocimiento es premio al trabajo continuo y bien realizado por parte del club durante muchos años tanto en lo deportivo como en la gestión y dirección del club.

Muchos de los jugadores que ahora formamos parte del club somos hijos y nietos de aquellas personas que en su día formaron el club.

Al ser equipo del Centro Gallego de Londres, la Xunta de Galicia subvenciona al equipo. Desafortunadamente esta subvención no llega ni a la mitad del importe necesario para llevar a un equipo a este nivel. Por esto, somos el único equipo en nuestra categoría donde los propios jugadores y entrenadores financiamos al club mediante pagos mensuales y la ficha inicial al principio de cada temporada.

Futuro
-Corto Plazo-

El objetivo primordial a corto plazo es conseguir sponsors para la próxima temporada que puedan ayudar al club económicamente. Estamos intentando dar a conocer al club a través de las redes sociales y tenemos a disposición para todo el mundo una página web del club www.clubwebsite.co.uk/fcdeportivogalicia , una cuenta de Twitter @FCDGalicia y una página de Facebook FC Deportivo Galicia

-Medio Plazo-
El objetivo a medio plazo es intentar formar un equipo reserva para la próxima temporada. Debido al problema económico que afecta en estos momentos a toda Europa y especialmente a España hemos tenido un gran interés por parte de jóvenes españoles, forzados a emigrar en busca de trabajo, en fichar por el club.

El club ayuda a estos jóvenes no solo en lo deportivo pero también en aprender inglés e integrarse en las diferentes culturas de la capital Londinense.

-Largo Plazo-
Tras conseguir la acreditación por parte de la Federación Inglesa de fútbol de “FA Charter Standard Club” el objetivo a largo plazo es formar categorías inferiores e intentar conseguir un convenio con algún club español para mandar a nuestros mejores jugadores a hacer pruebas con equipos en España.

Dato Curioso sobre el Club

Francis Cagigao ex jugador entre otros del Arsenal y FC Barcelona B y actualmente ojeador del Arsenal en toda Europa fue jugador y entrenador de nuestro club antes de dar los pasos al fútbol profesional.

Francis es conocido mundialmente como uno de los mejores ojeadores en el continente y ha sido pieza fundamental en fichajes como los de Cesc Fabregas, Cazorla y Monreal al Arsenal.

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Well, that’s it. It’s Day One!

Today is the day I set off on a 90 day digital tuktuk journey to the 92 clubs in England and Wales and dozens of non league clubs too!

Obviously, I set off from my beloved FC Deportivo Galicia (DGL) after their game against Langley in the Combined Counties League. Step 6 – only nine levels down from the Manchester Uniteds and West Hams of this world. Ooops, must not forget Arsenal as I have generously been sponsored by Rogelio Loureda and Richard Atkinson to visit their stadium. (More of that anon)



The game itself. Well, sadly we showed the visitors too much respect and two disappointing individual mistakes gave them a 2-0. Their midfield general was dictating play. We brought 4 subs on and quickly took the offensive. 10 minutes left is there a miracle? Maybe and then our captain, Matty Orobio, smacked an unstoppable direct free kick into the net 1-2. Terrific freekick but sadly the clock ran out and the visitors had plundered all three points.

The beauty of football? We go again. Next week it is our friends at Bagshot. I need to confirm but expect it will be played at Camberley. Grass on a hill. Let the battle begin.

It has been a busy few days of preparation and at this stage I really want to thank all those who have already helped to even get me started. Obviously Bobby Power and Keith Nicol in Spain who were among the first to know, my local MP, Seema Malhotra, Leo and Martin Decabo at DGL together with management, fans, volunteers and players, Ed Cagigao who was the person who first introduced me to DGL, the media and football divisions of Prostate Cancer UK and those who immediately put sponsorship money on the table. It’s a tiny amount towards the target so far but you don’t know how important it is from a motivational perspective. As Disney taught us, “Every great journey starts with a single step.” You guys pushed me over the starting line….the most difficult step.

So, I will be doing a daily update here in the blog and you will also find me on Facebook, Twitter , Instagram and LinkedIn l profess no knowledge of IG so I might be slow on there!

It all reminds me very much of Bjørn Heidenstrøm’s journey from Norway to South Africa back in 2009. I will never forget his first words, “So you are a Brit who lives in Spain, on holiday in Sweden and you are reading my blog in Norwegian. You can work with me!” If you don’t know the whole story just flip through this site to learn about the Bold, Bald, Brave Man from the North!

Until tomorrow
Thanks everybody
Steve

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It was a pleasure to meet Jim Stewart, the publisher of Football Weekends at the recent Stanchion Books book fair in London. I had been aware of the site and the magazine for some time but had never seen a physical copy of the magazine.

I was hugely impressed both by the quality of the writing and the breadth of experiences. In the latest magazine there were in depth guides to Notts County and Newry City, interesting articles about the Barcelona penyas and Italy and much, much more. To be honest what caught my eye was a report by David Powell from Stockholm which is a city I know well and from where I have recently returned. I read it with interest and was genuinely impressed. He saw two games in one weekend _ Hammarby and Djurgarden. The descriptions of the game were interesting and entertaining but I was equally keen to read what he said about Stockholm. It was accurate and fair.

The A4 high-quality gloss magazine is now up to almost 100 editions and a quick scan showed that they have covered pretty much every European country (particularly strong Germany, Spain, Italy) and thirty other countries throughout the world.

The website is equally professional and you can both subscribe and obtain back issues.
I wish Jim and his team continued success.

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6-20 May 2024 in Santa Ponsa

2024 Mallorca Walking Football Tournament

It was good to hear from a FB friend over Christmas and to learn that there is a huge walking football tournament being organised in Mallorca, Spain. Afraid my playing days are over but I am looking forward to attending as a spectator.

“We hereby invite your club/ team to participate in the 2024 Mallorca Walking Football Tournament.

The Mallorca tournament is being organised by the experienced M. F. E organization with the full support of the Calvia Council & the Mallorca Tourist Board. It is a great honour to invite your walking football team to participate in the 2024 Mallorca walking football tournament.

– The tournament will take place from Thursday 16th of May up to and including Monday the 20th of May 2024 in the popular and friendly resort of Santa Ponsa, Mallorca.

– The Mallorca walking football tournament will be part of the 2024 Mallorca football tournaments.

Why should you participate in the Mallorca walking football tournament?
• For the tournament there is a variety of accommodation to suit every budget.
• The rates of the accommodation (Hotels and apartments, self-catering) are inclusive the airport transfer.
• There is a special selection of 3*** & 4**** hotels all with half board.(Except for the hotel Playas del Rey. (Breakfast only)
• There is a special selection of (3 keys rating) apartments (self-catering)
• The tournament will take place on outdoor pitches at the Santa Ponsa Sports complex located in the centre of Santa Ponsa and near the beach.
• The pitches are artificial grass.
• The hotels and apartments are all situated very near to the sports complex and beaches of Santa Ponsa
• Party’s during the tournament.
• Nice bars and restaurants on a walking distance.
• Dutch organisation with 40 years of tournament experience.
• International referees.
• Medical staff present during the whole tournament (Doctor, Physiotherapist, medical personnel).
• Fantastic opening- en closing ceremony.

For more information click on the following buttons:

Official Invitation

Official Registration Document

Hotel and Apartment Rates

Tournament brochure

Promotional Video

Website

Banner for Facebook

Facebook

We are looking forward to meet you and your team in Santa Ponca for the Mallorca walking football tournament.

Harry Engels, The Organization”

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Many will know that I am off on another little tour of the UK in my digital tuktuk for 90 days from January 6th.

Here’s a little update of all the things that have been happening in the background. The JustGiving page is now live and my point of departure is confirmed. It will be at 5pm on Saturday 6th January 2024 from Bedfont Sports on Hatton Rd, TW14 9JR. It’s by Hatton Cross station on the Piccadilly Line. i will be leaving after the Combined Counties game between FC Deportivo Galicia and Langley. All welcome at the game. Want a free ticket? Just txt or Wapp me on 0044 7950 656654

The plan is to raise funds for FC Deportivo Galicia and Prostate Cancer people can sponsor per mile, per club, per stadium etc. Anything from literally £1 will be gratefully received.

The first pledges have started to come in. Eduardo Cagigao immediately bagged Chelsea and his friend Frank Herrera went for their women’s side. AFC Bournemouth was quick to follow. Thanks, Calum McClean. Remember you can get involved from just £1 so hopefully we will be able to raise a tidy sum.
For anybody in business, £5 is a trifling amount to get quality links to their websites. If a business pledges £50, I will also add it to The Worlds Most Expensive Link (check it out!)

I have updated the main website and poster, so hopefully all the information is now in the one place.

Full details here

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A friend on Facebook, Chris Good, sent me this information today and said they have almost filled the event but they are still looking for just a few more teams. They are particularly keen to hear from international sides.

I said I was happy to help share the details.
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Saturday Tournament Format & Schedule
Format – Everyone Plays A Final:

• Two groups of 8 teams = 7 group games per team
• Group games – 8 minutes each
• Everyone plays a final – Group A 1st place plays Group B 1st place, down to Group
  A 8th place plays Group B 8th place
• Finals – 14 minutes
• Total game time per team = 70 minutes
• Minimal wait time between games (some will play consecutively)
  Schedule – U8s, U9s & U10s:
• 0820 to 0855 – Arrival (please do NOT arrive before 0820)
• 0855 – Registration closes. Managers briefing starts
• 0910 to 1201 – Group games
• 1214 to 1250 – Finals
• 1303 to 1320 – Tournament photo and awards presentation
• 1345 – All teams not staying over on site to have departed please
  Schedule – U11s, U12s & U13s:
• 1350 to 1430 – Arrival (please do NOT arrive before 1350)
• 1430 – Registration closes. Managers briefing starts
• 1445 to 1736 – Group games
• 1749 to 1825 – Finals
• 1838 to 1855 – Tournament photo and awards presentation
  Awards:

1. Winners x 6 – trophy for the winner of each final. Gold winners medals for all
   players from the 6 winning teams. Silver runners up medals for the second
   placed team in the 1st v 1st final only. U8 and U9 age groups – participation gifts
   for all remaining players.
2. Best Defence – fewest goals conceded
3. Best Attack – most goals scored
4. Fair Play Award – best sporting gesture (decided by referees)
   
   Sunday Tournament Format & Schedule
   Format – Group + Knockout:

• Two Tiers:
• Tier 1 – Teams who finished top 4 in each of the two groups from Saturday.
• Tier 2 – Teams who finished bottom 4 in each of the two groups from Saturday
• Each Tier consists of 2 groups of 4 teams = 3 group games per team
• Group games – 15 minutes each
• Everyone qualifies for Quarter-Final. 1st in Group A plays 4th in Group B, etc.
• Semi-Final, 3rd/4th Playoff and Final.
• Knockout games – 18 minutes each
• Total game time per team = 63 to 99 minutes
• Minimal wait time between games (some will play consecutively)
  Schedule – U8s, U9s & U10s:
• 0815 to 0855 – Arrival (please do NOT arrive before 0820)
• 0855 – Registration closes. Managers briefing starts
• 0910 to 1100 – Group games
• 1116 to 1200 – Quarter Finals
• 1212 to 1230 – Semi Finals
• 1242 to 1300 – Final (and 3rd / 4th Playoff)
• 1312 to 1320 – Awards presentation and winners photo
• 1345 – All teams not staying on site to have departed please
  Schedule – U11s, U12s & U13s:
• 1350 to 1430 – Arrival (please do NOT arrive before 1350)
• 1430 – Registration closes. Managers briefing starts
• 1445 to 1635 – Group games
• 1651 to 1735 – Quarter Finals
• 1747 to 1805 – Semi Finals
• 1817 to 1835 – Finals (and 3rd / 4th Playoff)
• 1847 to 1855 – Awards presentation and winners photo
  Awards:

1. Gold (1st place), Silver (2nd place) & Bronze (3rd place) – trophies for each of the
   top 3 teams from each of the two Tiers, plus medals for all players from each of
   the top 3 teams
2. Fair Play Award – best sporting gesture (decided by referees)
   Venue & Site Map
   Address – Easton College, Bawburgh Rd, Easton, Norwich NR9 5DU
   
   College Website
   
   There is a full 12 page information pack available from Chris Good (tournament organiser) on +44 7736 285161 or chrisgood45{at}hotmail[dot]com
   

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In the run up to Christmas, a lot of people struggle for a huge variety of reasons. You may have seen me share “It’s OK not to be OK” memes and quotes but sometimes it needs to go deeper. I have a couple of friends who are going through too much at the moment. Obviously, I would never name them but hope they will read this that I was sent this weekend. If life is tough, grab a coffee and have a read of this aid.

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s easy to overlook the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between physical and mental well-being. The connection between the body and mind is undeniable, and neglecting one can have adverse effects on the other. This comprehensive guide explores various tips and strategies to help you prioritise and enhance both your physical and mental health.

1) Regular Exercise:

Physical activity is not only crucial for maintaining a healthy weight but also for promoting mental well-being. Regular exercise releases endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones, which help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as a brisk Walk, Jogging, Martial Arts, Yoga or Cycling.

2) Balanced Nutrition:

Fueling your body with the right nutrients is essential for overall health. Maintain a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Adequate nutrition supports both physical and mental functions, contributing to better energy levels and cognitive performance.

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3) Sufficient Sleep:

Quality sleep is vital for physical recovery and mental well-being. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to allow your body and mind to recharge. Establish a consistent sleep routine, create a comfortable sleep environment, and avoid stimulants like caffeine close to bedtime.

Make sure, and it’s crucial that screen time is minimised to at least an hour before going to bed. Calming and soothing music will also help to get you relaxed before bedtime.

4) Stress Management:

Chronic stress can take a toll on both your body and mind. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or mindfulness. These activities can help you stay calm, improve focus, and enhance your overall mental resilience.

5) Stay Hydrated:

Staying hydrated is paramount for overall well-being. Water is essential for bodily functions, aiding digestion, nutrient absorption, and temperature regulation. Adequate hydration supports vibrant skin, joint health, and cognitive function. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and impaired concentration. 

Aim to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily, adjusting for factors like physical activity and climate. Sip water consistently throughout the day, and pay attention to thirst cues. Prioritising hydration is a simple yet powerful habit, promoting vitality and ensuring your body functions optimally.

6) Regular Health Check-ups:

Preventive healthcare is key to catching potential issues before they become serious. Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider, undergo necessary screenings, and address any health concerns promptly. Taking a proactive approach to your physical health can alleviate stress and contribute to overall well-being.

7) Social Connections:

Social connections are fundamental to mental well-being. Cultivating meaningful relationships with friends, family, and community fosters a sense of belonging and support. Positive social interactions reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, enhancing emotional resilience. Regular communication with loved ones provides a vital outlet for sharing experiences and seeking advice. 

Loneliness, on the other hand, can contribute to a decline in mental health. Prioritise social connections by spending quality time with others, engaging in shared activities, and fostering open communication. Strong social bonds not only bring joy and fulfilment but also serve as a crucial foundation for mental and emotional stability.

8) Mindful Technology Use:

While technology has numerous benefits, excessive use can contribute to stress and mental fatigue. Establish boundaries for screen time, especially before bedtime, to ensure quality sleep. Take breaks from screens during the day and engage in activities that promote face-to-face interactions.

9) Continuous Learning:

Stimulate your mind by engaging in lifelong learning. Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, learning a language, or pursuing further education, intellectual stimulation is essential for cognitive health. Challenge yourself regularly to keep your brain active and resilient.

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10) Time Management:

Effective time management is the cornerstone of productivity and well-being. By prioritising tasks and setting realistic goals, you create a structured framework for daily activities. This approach helps prevent overwhelm, reduces stress, and enhances overall efficiency. Allocating time for work, leisure, and self-care ensures a balanced lifestyle, fostering a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. 

Regular breaks during tasks maintain focus and prevent burnout. Embracing time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique or the Eisenhower Matrix, further refines your organisational skills. Cultivate a proactive mindset, adapt to changing priorities, and recognize the value of time as a precious resource for personal and professional growth.

11) Gratitude Practice:

Cultivate a sense of gratitude by reflecting on the positive aspects of your life. Regularly express appreciation for the people, experiences, and opportunities that bring joy and fulfilment. A gratitude practice can enhance your mood and shift your focus towards positivity.

12) Limit Substance Use:

Limiting substance use is crucial for maintaining physical and mental health. Excessive alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drug consumption can lead to serious health issues, addiction, and impaired cognitive function. Moderation is key to preventing long-term consequences. Substance abuse often exacerbates mental health challenges, contributing to anxiety and depression. 

Recognizing the impact of substances on overall well-being is the first step towards making informed choices. Seeking support from friends, family, or professional resources can aid in managing and reducing substance use. Prioritise a balanced and healthy lifestyle, fostering resilience and ensuring that your physical and mental faculties remain in optimal condition.

13) Seek Professional Help:

If you’re experiencing persistent physical or mental health challenges, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Whether it’s a healthcare provider, therapist, or counsellor, reaching out to a qualified professional can provide valuable support and guidance.

In conclusion, prioritising both physical and mental health is a holistic approach that contributes to a fulfilling and balanced life. By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can create a foundation for overall well-being, ensuring that your body and mind thrive together. Remember that everyone’s journey is unique, so find what works best for you and make these practices a sustainable part of your lifestyle.

…and perhaps most important remember, “It is OK not to be OK.”

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