It is with sadness to write that club President Bill Rodda passed away last Sunday 2nd following a period of illness. Condolences are sent to his family.
Bill had been involved with football in Woodley since 1999 when he first joined Woodley Hammers FC as a parent of sons who wanted to play football. From the outset Bill recognised that clubs are only as strong as their volunteers and immediately agreed to help with the coaching and managing of Woodley Hammers mini – kickers (preschool) and u7 age group.
The managing of a team continued for ten years while he also looked to get involved in other aspects of the club which saw him being chairman eight years immediately prior to the merger of the club with Woodley Town FC and Woodley United Ladies FC to form Woodley United FC in 2015. He was also Deputy Chairman of Woodley United Ladies FC from 2011 – 2015, being a key player in recognising the benefit of having one club dedicated to the provision of female football in Woodley.
At both Woodley Hammers FC and at Woodley United FC, Bill was aware of the need for fund raising events and for numerous years was a major contributor to the annual youth tournament held over two days at the end of May / beginning of June weekend and more recently the club’s annual presentation and fun day. His involvement ranged from planning the event, organising equipment, purchasing trophies and being on site most of the weekend either running the bbq or on hand to help where needed especially Saturday mornings at the club’s café.
Bill was Woodley United FC’s president since the club’s formation in 2015. Bill will be sorely missed but he can be rightly proud of his legacy in making the club the success it is today with over fifty teams ranging from mini-kickers to adult including a ladies and veteran’s team.
Events celebrating Bill’s life are planned to take place on the afternoon and evening of Friday 21st November2025. Further details to follow.