The Ebbsfleet United Walking Football teams finished in second and third places in the Kent FA Walking Football Leagues in the season just gone, writes Chris Judge.

The Kent League, which has a total of 53 teams split into three area age group categories, resulted in the Fleet finishing runners-up in the Over 60s age group and in third place in the Over 65s and Over 50s.

Finishing second meant the Over 60s team – including former player and manager Garry Aldous – qualified for the Kent Finals played at Maidstone last month, where the three various Kent divisional winners and the best-placed second-place teams play to be named overall champions.

Unfortunately Fleet lost out to regular winners Bexley in the semis and then to Woodnesborough in the battle for third place, with Bexley (who include ex-Fleet players Gary Groom and Andy Douglas) winning all three age group categories during the finals. However, Fleet player Kevin Gooda (below) was awarded the Golden Boot for firing 25 goals during the season.

Fleet co-ordinator Chris Judge said, “The Kent League has become super competitive but we put up a good showing with numerous wins across the three age groups. Thanks must go to Tom Sharkey and Gurch Gill for all the work they put in.

“We now have 39 registered players and train at Kedbull Leisure in Nelson Road, Northfleet, on a Friday night – we’re already looking forward to the new season!”

The Fleet Over 60s team pictured at the top of the page is:
Back row, left to right: Gary Fairman, Mark Smale, Roger Norman, Tom Sharkey.
Front row: Paul Martin, Garry Aldous, Kevin Gooda.