Heartfelt tributes have poured in from across the Jewish amateur football world for David Wolff, the linchpin of the Maccabi GB Southern Football League for more than six decades, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday at the age of 81.
Wolff was involved with the MGBSFL since 1963, when he acted as the management committee’s assistant secretary. Two years later, he became the league’s vice chair, and in 1970, he was appointed chairman, a position he held until his passing.
He is credited with the expansion and prosperity of the MGBSFL, taking the league from a single division of 12 teams to a peak of 66 teams and over 1,700 registered players. Today, the league structure comprises three divisions with 22 teams between them.
Wolff was also known for his genuine passion for grassroots football, mentoring new volunteers, ensuring fairness across the leagues, and acting as a figurehead for teams to raise their issues with.
He organised the Peter Morrison Trophy, known colloquially as the Jewish FA Cup, a yearly competition involving Jewish football teams from up and down the country.
His influence on several generations of players, referees, volunteers, and administrators – allowing them to express their Jewish identity through sport – is recognised every season as teams in each MGBSFL division competing for a trophy bearing Wolff’s name.
Phil Peters, current MGBSFL vice-chair who served with Wolff for nearly ten years, said of his long-time colleague and friend: “David Wolff was a true mensch and a giant of Jewish football. For over 60 years, he gave selflessly to the league, creating a place of belonging for thousands across generations.
“It has been an honour to serve as his vice-chairman for the past decade and to learn from his principles, warmth and unwavering commitment.
“A lifelong West Ham supporter, it feels fitting to say that even as the final whistle blows, he’ll be forever blowing bubbles. Our thoughts are with his family, and we wish them a long life. May his memory be a blessing.”
Danny Caro, former JC sports editor, posted: “David, you were a real shining light for our community and will be sorely missed by the many you brought joy to.”
As well as the MGBSFL, David was the life-vice president for semi-pro club Wingate and Finchley FC and honorary chairman of the London FA.
And only last week, he was made honorary life president of Maccabi GB in recognition of his pioneering work in Jewish football for over more than half a century.
Ashley Lerner, CEO of Maccabi GB, said: “Everyone at Maccabi GB extends its deepest condolences to David’s family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. May his memory be a blessing, and may his legacy continue wherever Jewish football is played, organised, or simply loved.”
On social media, messages of remembrance poured in from the teams currently competing in the MGBSFL, with heartfelt homage even from teams who only crossed paths with Wolff for a fraction of his long reign.
Premier Division side Stoke Salmon said on their Instagram that Wolff was “a true mensch, who dedicated years to creating a league and environment that generations of Jewish teams have been able to enjoy. The community will always be in debt to this great man.”
Division 1, Temple Fortune, the MGBSFL’s longest-surviving club, founded in 1968, wrote: “[His] stature in the Maccabi game was second to none and his organisation, wisdom, wit and overall presence will be sorely missed as the league adjusts to a future without him.”
Division 2 Scrabble, whose current side was only formed at the beginning of this season, paid their respects: “Though we only crossed paths for a year, it was an honour to experience a genuine legend of the game. A cornerstone of Jewish football has been lost, but his impact and the memories he leaves behind will never fade.”
Many teams posted pictures of their players meeting Wolff, or of Wolff attending their games, as he was known to do so frequently and enthusiastically, whatever the weather.
Under MGBSFL’s Instagram post paying tribute to the late Wolff is a deluge of comments paying their respects, from players past and present. They recognise a man whose impact and legacy on the Jewish amateur football scene will be felt and remembered for generations to come.
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