Thursday 22nd May, 2025. A date that will live forever in Dawleys footballing folklore.
After three years of blood, sweat and tears, Team Dawleys finally clinched the trophy at the annual Roger Parckar Memorial Tournament, hosted at the iconic Hereford FC ground.
Yes, it actually happened and no, we haven’t stopped celebrating.
A Tournament Close to Our Hearts
The Roger Parckar Memorial Tournament means more than just a kickabout. It’s a chance to honour the memory of our much-missed colleague and friend, Roger. A man whose spirit, humour and determination still echo through the halls of Dawleys and beyond.
Every year, we lace up our boots not just to compete, but to remember him in the best way we know how: as a team, united in camaraderie, resilience, and a healthy dose of competitive spirit (and questionable ball control).
This year, we didn’t just turn up. We turned it ON.
Meet the Dream Team
Our line-up was a glorious mish-mash of:
- Colleagues who’ve been training since March (or at least thought about it),
- Clients brave enough to join us (shout out to Sven – who has now unofficially signed a lifetime contract),
- Family members dragged into service,
- A couple of wildcard players who may or may not work at Dawleys – we didn’t check ID, but they had boots, and that’s what counts.
Under the charismatic leadership of Captain Luke Beard, the team came together like never before. Passes were crisp. Tackles were (mostly) legal. And when we scored... let’s just say the celebrations were ecstatic amongst the fans.
Tactical Genius: David Hopson
Every great team needs a great leader off the pitch – and we had David Hopson.
Armed with a trusty notepad, a stopwatch, and boundless belief, Dave ran substitutions with military precision, adjusted tactics on the fly, and somehow managed to keep a squad of 17 enthusiastic amateurs focused and motivated.
Coach Dave in action, addressing the players before a crucial game.
A Victory For The Fans
Let’s not forget the Dawleys supporters who turned out in full force. Their cheers gave us the boost we needed in the final minutes. Because let’s face it — by then, most of us were running on fumes, adrenaline, and post-match pizza promises.
What Now?
With victory secured and the trophy now safely in Dawleys hands, we face our biggest challenge yet:
Where do we put it?
Current suggestions include:
- A rotating display case in Reception
- LED-lit glass pedestal, with motion sensor spotlight
- A small gospel choir that bursts into song every time someone walks past
We welcome any further ideas from the team (though we draw the line at installing lasers).
Roll On 2026
We came. We played. We conquered. And most importantly, we honoured Roger in the way he’d want – with smiles on our faces, teammates by our side, and the kind of win that’s about far more than football.
To everyone who played, managed, cheered, and supported: thank you. You made it magic.
So here’s to next year – defending champions as proud as ever.
