The expanding Ascot United Vets’ section
Supervets incoming!
The Ascot United Vets’ section continues to go from strength-to-strength. In previous years the Vets have run two sides, both of which played regularly in the West London Vets’ League (WLVFL). Both the 1sts and the 2nds will continue to ply their trade there. There is, however, a new Vets’ kid on the block….
2023-24 will see the ‘Ascot United Supervets’ make their debuts. Vets’ football at Ascot traditionally begins at 40. There are, however, a significant number of Yellas for whom the age at which life traditionally starts is no longer 40 but 50. That’s where the Supervets come in.
The redoubtable Mike Tomlinson, Vets’ first XI regular and a player whose 50th birthday has now been and gone, will lead the Supervets into action. The squad of players numbers roughly 16 (all 50 and above, some even looking back at their respective 60th birthdays) and they will be playing friendlies throughout the course of the season. The first game is scheduled for 21 October when they visit the wonderfully named Walton Strollers. Keep an eye out for more on their progress in due course.
Twos under new management
Elsewhere, the 1st XI will again be managed by Dave Good, with Dave Thompson offering sage advice as his number two. More on their expectations for the season in due course.
There has, however, been a change of leadership for the 2nds. Martin Kay did a magnificent job of getting the 2s up and running, and the fact that the second string won promotion from the third division of the WLVFL in 2022-23 has much to do with the effort and commitment that he put in.
Kay has opted to take a step back in 2023-24, to focus on lengthy ACL rehab. He’ll no doubt be around and indeed offering the new gaffer, Dan Hough, all the help and assistance he needs. Hough’s first game(s) in charge are two pre-season friendlies on Friday 11 August before both ones and twos move into league action on 8/9 September.
Keep an eye out for season previews for both the WLVFL sides incoming in due course. One other thing to keep an eye out for; in May 2024 the Vets will be heading to Valencia in Spain for their 10th anniversary tour. Should be an excellent doo……
