Football in Folkestone on Sunday- charity match

A big charity match in memory of ex-Folkestone football legend John Tredwell takes place at Invicta’s Fullicks Stadium this coming Sunday, November 19th, kicking off at 12 noon.

John – Treddy to so many people – who passed away just over a year ago at the age of 74, signed for Folkestone Town FC at the age of just 15 in 1957 and stayed with the club till it was wound up by ‘benefactor’ Sidney de Haan some 32 years later, during which time he played more than 1,000 games for the Cheriton Road club. He showed that same kind of dedication in cricket, the game that was his other great love, especially during his many years with Folkestone Cricket Club which he joined (from Ashford) in 1981.

John’s son James has shown that loyalty really does run in the family during his time with Kent County Cricket Club, representing the county at all the age levels before making the grade at both county and international levels. James, now 35 and nearing the end of his richly deserved testimonial season with Kent, is the prime mover in Sunday’s match at Folkestone Invicta which will involve professional and semi-pro sportsmen from both the winter and summer games.

Admission is FREE and there will be a FREE commemorative programme plus a FREE buffet in Bar Invicta after the match.
With no charge for entry, collections will be made and it is hoped that spectators might to contribute to Crohns & Colitis UK and the PCA Benefit Fund.

Invicta boss Neil Cugley has helped plan the event. Cugs said: “We want to make this a really good day for James and his family, and it’s a great chance to remember his dad who many of us knew so well.”

The teams will be managed by great local sports ‘characters’ Dominic Castle and Andy Allon who both have many, many contacts in both games.

Among those hoping to play are ex-Folkestone footballers of several decades such as Mo Munden, Jeff Ross, Dave Arter, Tommy Warrilow, Paul Chambers. The Two Tims- Hulme and Dixon, Jimmy Dryden, Nick Hopkin and Andy Morris. Former pro footballers Andy Hessenthaler, Nicky Southall, Roland Edge, Ian Hendon and Shane Gore – a former Romney Marsh neighbour of the Tredwell family- will also be involved.

Cricketers keen to take part if commitments allow include James Tredwell himself, his brother-in-law and 2005 Ashes winning wicket-keeper Geraint Jones, plus Kent captain Sam Northeast, England Lions star Dan Bell-Drummond and other members of the current county squad.

Words from Mick Cork, Folkestone Invicta FC