My Woking FC Story So Far…

(As seen in Woking FC's matchday programme - 16/11/2022)

Hi there, my names Benjamin Parker. Some of you may know me, others may not, but I’m here to tell you a little bit about why I, just like you, love this football club.

It all started back on the 17th September 2011 when my Grandad took me to my first ever game. We beat Dover Athletic 3-1 and I have been hooked ever since. My Grandad (known as Frisar to me) was a lifetime supporter who used to take both my Mum and Uncle. He would always tell me stories about the FA Trophy runs to Wembley and that famous day in Birmingham where Tim Buzaglo put three past West Brom. Every Saturday we were at home, he would pick me up at 2:20pm, with BBC Surrey on the radio and we would get ready for the match. We would sit in the middle at the top of the LGS. These are the times I still cherish to this day. When he very suddenly passed away in 2015, I lost touch with the club and didn’t know how to find my way back into football as a whole. I would go to the odd game with my Mum or Dad, but it just wasn’t the same.

One day however, I decided that I wanted to continue his legacy and so the 2017/18 season was when I fully got myself back involved. I went to my first away game against Maidstone United on September 9th and despite the result, I wanted more of these experiences.

As the years have gone by, I have met some brilliant people of all ages and can gladly call this place my second home. I’ve made friends for life and cemented my place within the club and the KRE. I’ve been to 219 games, 82 of which have been away with the furthest being Gateshead FC. My proudest achievement was completing all 49 games we played during the 2021/22 season and going to 76 consecutive games in a row spanning three seasons.

I have volunteered for the club on multiple occasions as well. The first time was in 2019 when I did a week’s work experience with Cards in the Community and went around to local primary schools teaching P.E lessons and engaging the children in fun activities. Most recently, I have spent time up in the press box doing Press Association and have even filmed a match for WFCTV once in the past. Mind you, the best part was probably painting the club shop during a college half term because I had nothing else to do…

I’m currently away studying at UCFB Wembley in London for University and so games, unfortunately, haven’t been on my calendar as usual as I’d like them to be but don’t fear, I still go to as many as I can and even write for the academy side who play every Wednesday afternoon. My dream is to be a well known and respected sports journalist who has experience in both digital and print media.

I would like to use this opportunity to thank Woking Football Club for all the highs, the lows, the people along the way and just everything that you’ve given me because believe it or not, you shaped a young man’s dreams and helped me find my way through life. The club is in my DNA and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Let’s keep the good momentum going this season because something special is brewing and I cannot wait to be there and witness history unfold in front of our own eyes! #COYCards