From the jitterbug to coronavirus... almost time to celebrate VE day 75 years apart

1945 was a year of many notables, not least the end of WWII and at the time of writing this we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. There was another important event at that time, closer to Essex Vets Football but I will talk more about that in a while.

In the years preceding the outbreak of war and in celebration of a reforming monarch, the King George Fields Foundation was set up to provide safe, suitable spaces for all to enjoy, not least for sport. However before grants could be issued, land purchased and work widely commenced, hostilities commenced and peace was paused. 6 years later and for the next 20 thereafter, with a renewed energy, the playing fields sprang into life.

Physical fitness, space to socialise and an environment to emotionally re-charge were the mantras that these fields were built upon (sic). It is something that too many of us took for granted for too long.

7.5 months ago I was asked by a group of friends to be the manager of their SuperVets football team. I’d come out of sporting retirement a couple of seasons beforehand to help make up numbers, and now with even more knackered knees I’d been approached to take the reins of White Roding 45s.

I won’t sugar coat the situation. I had almost stopped playing through the pain, the team were riven with disagreements and had only avoided defeat 3 times the year before. I could do without the hassle and there were others who thought they could do carry on regardless.

Now you’re wondering why I mention and what on earth has it to do with King George Play Fields?

Football for is a literal life saver. A constant for me in a changing landscape of life for the next 40 years. Even if I could not play, I could still be a part of the football family from the sidelines. My own personal journey has made me more aware of others – in a group of 40 and 50 year old men who use macho stereotypes to hide true feelings, this can be difficult. Depression had also deeply affected the lives of some of the squad. I chose to stand up and speak about my travails. To their credit, players and committee heard what I had to say and gave me a chance.

I chose to “Do things differently” under my management. We changed diets, spoke about mental health, practised yoga, organised nights out and helped others in need. I say “We” because it took the whole team to contribute to succeed, in their own way, offering their own contribution and in their own time – I simply started them off.

The results on the pitch speak for themselves. For the first time in the club’s history, a cup final was reached and we were only 48hrs from being played before the outbreak of the war against CV19 was announced with the lockdown enacted.

The past 7.5 weeks have been torture. Putting aside the loss opportunity to play, there has been physical distance between players, the absence of structure and lack of regular exercise have been tough for all, myself included. Whatsapp groups, phone calls and the like have helped, but boy have we missed being together.

Looking forward to next season, I have turned my social distancing into plans and productivity, making improvements to the changing rooms, among other matters . It was there this week, I came across photos of the first ever White Roding Football Club... formed 75 years ago this coming season. This rural Essex village team is now the focal point for players from far afield for football, food and friendship – back to the ethos of health and happiness in His Majesty’s honour. His great-grandson, Prince William is not only the President of the Football Association and Fields In Trust, but is also an advocate for better mental health... a true trinity in supporting what is needed going forward.

My first match as manager was against Rayleigh at their King George Playing Field pitch... a victory that kick-started our road to recovery. We cannot wait to get going again, but the absence has indeed focused the mind of what is important. Authorities, associations and associates have undoubted challenges ahead, but the benefits of bringing bodies and brains back together on a blade of grass are great and need continuous championing. Men under 50 are dis-proportionally impacted by poor health, even in good times and a timely return to football is even more important than ever.

We at White Roding 45s will celebrate our own 75th Anniversary this year, Victory in Enjoyment... of the game we love and people that play with. We look forward to welcoming you all at CM6 very soon.