Eastleigh FC: Football, Family And Photography

I have two grandchildren who both play for Eastleigh Junior teams. Josh is 12 and he plays for the U13; Cole is 9 and he plays for the U10.

I live in Chandler’s Ford and I have been associated with Eastleigh Football Club (first team) for the past 6 years. I take photographs on match days which are then posted on the Eastleigh Football Club website and are used in the match day programmes.

When I’m not at Eastleigh I can be found at Winchester City Football Club.

Up until Christmas my wife or I would spend most Sunday mornings at either one of the grandchildren’s matches, and I have been photographing their games for the past 6 years.

The manager who ran the U12 but now U13 team decided at Christmas that he could no longer carry on managing / running the team due to work commitments so I have stepped in. We have had a couple of players leave (this usually happens) and need to add to the squad.

We are very generously sponsored by Paul Bradford CEO at Southern Communications. They have purchased our training kit, home and away kits, tracksuits, rain-suits, and support our training twice a week by covering the cost of facilities. They have recently supported us in the purchase of new training equipment such as footballs, agility ladders, first aid kit and others. This will be their 4th year of ongoing sponsorship for which we are very grateful.

My passion: football

I played football for many years and it is my passion. I’m now in my late 50s but still have the passion and enthusiasm for the game. No football on Sunday would leave a void in my life.

I spent 20 years as a nurse in the Prison Service and now work as an inspector in the Adult Social Care sector. I have been married for nearly 40 years. We have two daughters and 4 grandchildren. My wife is a quilter and she has exhibited her work in the Festival of Quilts at the NEC in Birmingham.

Apart from work and football I enjoy photography but in particular wildlife photography.

Football at Toynbee School: searching for talented young players

On the 14th of June (Saturday) from 10am to 1pm, we’re holding a football event at The Toynbee School on Bodycoats Road. We’re looking for talented young players for Eastleigh.

Eastleigh Juniors FC U12 Blues are looking for talented players to strengthen their current squad for Tyro League U13s 2014 – 2015 team.

Open Trials Day: 10am – 1pm, Saturday 14th June 2014

At Toynbee School, Bodycoats Road, Eastleigh SO53 2PL

Contact Tony Smith on 07933 111 381.

On my website, you’ll find lots of images of Eastleigh Football Club. You can also find me on Twitter – Tony Smith (tonys_pics).