Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Woolwich and Eltham Sunday Football Alliance represents one of the most established and respected amateur football leagues in the UK. Operating with 8 divisions and an impressive 15 cup competitions, this England Football Accredited Respect League has become a cornerstone of weekend football in southeast London. The Alliance provides a structured competitive environment for adult footballers while maintaining a strong community focus, proudly describing itself as "a family thing."
Among its most prestigious tournaments is the Plumstead Challenge Cup, which dates back to 1931 and stands as a testament to the league's rich heritage. This historic competition extends beyond the Alliance's regular teams, welcoming participation from other local leagues and further strengthening football bonds throughout the region.
The Alliance has earned recognition for its commitment to respectful play, having been awarded "Commended Status" in the FA Respect Awards. This acknowledgment highlights the organization's dedication not just to the competitive aspects of the game, but to fostering an environment where sportsmanship and community values remain central to the Sunday football experience.
History
The Woolwich and Eltham Sunday Football Alliance has been a cornerstone of amateur football in southeast London for many decades. Operating under the Football Association's umbrella since 1964, the alliance provides competitive opportunities for adult, junior, and youth teams.
In 2015, the alliance received "Commended Status" in the FA Respect Awards, highlighting its commitment to fostering respectful play and good sportsmanship within the community.
The alliance organizes multiple cup competitions throughout its seasons. During the 2006-2007 season, eight cup finals were hosted at Thamesmead Town FC, including the Leader Trophy which was contested on April 15th, 2007.
The Leader Trophy final that season resulted in a 2-0 victory for Belvedere, demonstrating the competitive nature of the alliance's cup tournaments.
Teams like Eltham United FC have been active participants in the alliance, contributing to the rich football tradition in the Woolwich and Eltham areas.
The alliance continues to serve as an important platform for Sunday league football, allowing clubs to compete in organized competitions while developing players and maintaining the grassroots football culture in southeast London.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Woolwich and Eltham Sunday Football Alliance primarily focuses on adult football, with an "Open" age group category for players. This allows for broad participation across various skill levels within the adult football community.
The league is structured into multiple divisions that create a competitive hierarchy. At the top sits the Supreme Trophies & Engraving Premier Division, representing the highest level of play within the alliance.
Below the Premier Division, players can compete in the Happy Belly's Café & Grill Senior Division, which serves as the second tier in the league's structure. This division offers competitive football for teams not quite at premier level.
The alliance further extends its divisional structure with King of Hearts Media Productions Division 1 and Abal Environmental Division 2. These divisions ensure teams compete against others of similar abilities.
Some sources also mention Danson Property Services Division 1 and MD Foundation Division, indicating the alliance may have reorganized divisions or added sponsors over time.
In total, the Woolwich & Eltham Sunday Football Alliance reportedly operates 8 divisions, providing ample opportunity for teams of varying skill levels to find appropriate competitive matches. This structured approach helps maintain competitive balance throughout the league system.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Woolwich & Eltham Sunday Football Alliance (WESFA) is managed by a dedicated team of administrators who ensure the smooth operation of this popular Sunday league football organization.
The Alliance is structured with key personnel who handle different aspects of league management, from fixtures and results to disciplinary matters and team registration.
According to available information, the Hon. League Representative Team Coach position was held by Mathew Tapping as of the 2006-2007 season. He was contactable at 98 Dando Crescent, Kidbrooke, London, SE3 9PD or via phone at 07891 166453.
For general inquiries, the Alliance provides contact options through their official channels. They have recently updated their contact phone number to improve communication with teams and players.
The organization prides itself on having extensive resources and contacts within the local football community, which helps them maintain their reputation as one of the leading Sunday leagues in the area.
Key Contact Methods:
- Phone: Updated number available on their official platforms
- Address: League headquarters in the Woolwich/Eltham area
- Social Media: Updates and announcements on platforms like Facebook
Those interested in joining the league or seeking more information are encouraged to reach out directly to current committee members for the most up-to-date contact information.
Teams
The Woolwich and Eltham Sunday Football Alliance (WESFA) hosts multiple teams across its 8 divisions. Teams compete in various cup competitions, including the historic Plumstead Challenge Cup which dates back to 1931.
Some of the active teams in the alliance include Blackfen & Erith Athletic, Burrage Blues, and Duchess of Kent Duchess. These teams represent different areas within the league's geographical coverage.
Additional teams participating in WESFA include Falconwood First, FC Royals First, and Northern Eagles. The alliance provides competitive opportunities for adult players throughout the region.
Rising Talents FC Adult and Sporting Club are also part of the WESFA family. The league attracts teams from within a 15-mile radius of its Charlton base.
WESFA prides itself on being an England Football Accredited Respect League. This accreditation reflects the alliance's commitment to maintaining positive sporting values and fair play among all participating teams.
The competitive structure of 8 divisions allows teams of varying skill levels to find appropriate competitive matches. Teams can also participate in up to 15 different cup competitions throughout the season.
Players
The Woolwich and Eltham Sunday Football Alliance features numerous talented players across its eight divisions. Based on the search results, we can identify several players who participate in this local football organization.
Some notable players from various teams include Issah Abdulkarim, Kenny Adibe, Nana Agyekum, and Richard Akinlade. These individuals represent just a small sample of the competitive talent within the alliance.
For Eltham United FC specifically, their roster includes players such as Khemani Aiyanyo, Luke Almond, Sam Barnard, Jameel Buhari, and Drew Carter. Each brings their unique skills to their respective matches every Sunday.
Woolwich Royals, another team in the alliance, features Alex Avery, Sam Bailey, and Harry among their squad members. These players contribute to the team's performance in both regular league matches and cup competitions.
The alliance provides an organized structure for these amateur footballers to showcase their abilities across multiple divisions. With 15 cup competitions available, players have numerous opportunities throughout the season to demonstrate their talents.
The competitive nature of the league allows players of varying skill levels to participate in appropriate divisions. This inclusive approach has helped sustain the alliance's longevity, with traditions like the Plumstead Challenge Cup dating back to 1931.
