Two stalwarts of Wroxham Football Club will be celebrated on 30th July. Having clocked up over 100 years for the club, a testimonial match will be played at Trafford Park to recognize the service given by Pat Penn and Alan Royall.

Penn, a Life Member of the club has held various roles since moving to Wroxham in 1954. He was a keen follower of the club in the East Anglian League even playing in goal in a practice pre-season game of the 1st XI versus the Reserves. From the age of 15, he appeared as a regular in the Reserve side and eventually the First team. A full-back who could also fill in as goalkeeper, the team in a newly formed Anglian Combination won promotion to Division 2 earning Pat Penn his first medal for the club. Not content with just playing for the club, he became Secretary in 1967. This would be the first of many roles that he has held at the club and one would be hard-pushed to think of one that he hasn’t held. He became Chairman whilst also coaching the Sunday Youth teams over many seasons. Pat currently holds the position of Club President.

Not only connected with Wroxham Football Club, Pat was a referee for many seasons on Sundays. On one occasion at East Ruston, he used the first aid skills he had gained as a Fire Officer to save the life of a player who had swallowed his tongue.

Two seasons ago, Pat was brought out of retirement to run the line at 74 in an FA Cup Preliminary Round tie when the Referee’s Assistant was called away suddenly as Wroxham were playing at Mildenhall Town.

Royall, also a Life Member, has been connected to Wroxham Football Club since joining as a player in March 1960. Having joined his family boatyard business following an 18 year RAF career, a meeting with WFC Committee Member, George Vaughan, began Alan’s connection with the club. However, with his work on the family’s boats taking priority, it was usually September before Royall could be available for selection for Wroxham each season.

Appearing for the club until the early seventies whilst also playing for Acle in the Yarmouth and District League till 1973.

One of his non-playing roles saw Alan elected as Club Chairman and also latterly becoming Club President and was a Wroxham Football Club Trustee until 1992. He then crossed the River Bure to help form Hoveton Wherrymen Football Club.

Additional to his roles at Wroxham, Alan has held the position of Vice President of the Anglian Combination Football League supporting another former Wroxham stalwart, Tony Dickerson who was Chairman and President of the League. Despite being an octogenarian Alan continues to serve on the club committee and continues to be found at the ground at least two days every week.

The match on the 30th July kick off 2pm sees a Wroxham XI take on a Wroxham Legends XI. A number of former players have confirmed their attendance and combined with a bar-b-q and refreshments, it is looking like an excellent way for supporters to thank these two gentlemen for their many years of service to the club and football in general.