Thatcham Tornadoes turn 40

Founder member from 1971 joins fun day to celebrate football club's anniversary

THATCHAM Tornadoes Football Club celebrated its 40th anniversary by holding a fun day on Saturday.

About 250 members of the club, as well as supporters, turned out to celebrate, taking part in activities in Lower Way.

There were football matches between team members and former members of the club as well as penalty shoot outs, speed shots, a football obstacle course, bouncy castle, a barbecue and information displays about the club's history. Members of Global Freestyle, a company that

teaches ball skills, also held sessions.

Committee member and manager of the under-11 Amber team, Alan Wells, said that he was pleased with the turnout, and added: “We thought it was important for the club to have this.

“It's entirely run by volunteers and a lot of people put in a lot of hours to keep the boys playing football.

“Without the volunteers, the members of team and the committee, the club would not run.

“40 years is quite an achievement for a voluntary organisation.”

Club founder Debbie Read, who set up the club in 1971 with her husband Roy after they were persuaded by local parents, attended the event.

She was presented with a memento trophy.

Mr Wells said that it was important that the former members were invited back to see the club as it was now.

He said: “They were amazed it was still running and that it was still so strong.

“They were really pleased to be there and pleased that we had invited them.”

He added: “People are still prepared to put in time so the children are able to play football.

“We are preparing for the 50th anniversary now.”

The club is always looking for new players, and run teams for under-sixs to under-16s. Visit

www.thatchamtornadoes.com

For extra pictures, click on the link below.