Romford Walking FC recently came together to honour the memory of former member John Marriott by holding a special charity tournament in his name.

John was a much-loved and valued member of the club, and nearly 50 players gathered on a Sunday morning at the club’s home ground, Powerleague Romford, to celebrate his life and raise money for a cause chosen by his family.

Players were divided into six teams, each named after members of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad.

As a lifelong West Ham United supporter, many of John’s favourite players featured among the team names, including Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters, alongside Bobby Charlton, Gordon Banks and Jimmy Greaves.

After three hours of competitive but friendly walking football, Gordon Banks emerged as winners, narrowly edging out Jimmy Greaves to claim the inaugural John Marriott Memorial Shield.

Romford Walking FC recently came together to honour the memory of former member John Marriott by holding a special charity tournament in his name.
John was a much-loved and valued member of the club, and nearly 50 players gathered on a Sunday morning at the club's home ground, Powerleague Romford, to celebrate his life and raise money for a cause chosen by his family. — Pic credit: Romford Walking FC

The event proved a fitting tribute to John and raised £500 for HAD (Havering Association for People with Disabilities), a long-established local charity supporting adults with physical, sensory and learning disabilities, as well as people experiencing mental health challenges, across the London Borough of Havering.

Based at its community hub in Hornchurch, HAD provides inclusive activities and practical support designed to help people stay connected, build confidence and live more independently.

The charity currently supports more than 250 adults, many of whom face significant challenges including limited mobility, social isolation and financial hardship.

For many service users, HAD is more than just a place to visit, providing routine, companionship and a welcoming environment where they feel included and supported.

Project lead Nicola McGhee thanked Romford Walking FC and the Marriott family for their generosity, saying the donation would help the charity meet its ongoing costs at a time when funding pressures are increasing.

HAD has recently been affected by local authority funding cuts and continues to rely on donations and volunteers to maintain its services.

Anyone interested in supporting the charity can find more information at: hadhavering.co.uk.

Romford Walking FC also thanked Powerleague Romford, manager Rob Baillie and his team for donating the use of the pitches.

Their support ensured that every penny raised from the event could be passed directly to HAD.

The tournament not only raised valuable funds for a local charity but also served as a heartfelt celebration of a club member whose contribution and friendship will long be remembered. Source: https://www.romfordrecorder.co.uk/news/26526746.romford-walking-fc-raise-500-memory-john-marriott/