A lot has happened in the Maccabi Masters Football League (MMFL) since its inception 17 years ago.
North London Raiders enjoyed a period of dominance before Chigwell Athletic loosened their grip by securing the double in only their second season.
The league has grown from four teams to 17 playing across two divisions, as well as a league cup competition and there is a separate cup for second division teams.
Chigwell player-manager Richard Slater believes the decision to join the league has helped keep his club alive.
"We moved over to the MMFL in 2014 after 13 successful years in the MGBSFL. The majority of our squad were approaching their mid-30s with families so it was a natural progression to maintain regular football and, most of all, the enjoyment.
"We've enjoyed a successful period, winning three trophies in two seasons and have found the majority of matches have been very challenging and competitive. I would encourage teams in our position to join the MMFL.”
Raiders welcome back Elan Ovits to the fold. The former Hillgar Athletic defender admits the league has given him a new lease of life on the football pitch.
"Having been introduced to Masters football after my firstborn, I’ve never looked back and wondered whether I should still be playing at a higher level at 33-plus,” he said.
"Masters football provides well-organised and competitive games on 3G pitches, together with the flexibility of rolling substitutions.
"I still have the same competitive edge I had when I was in my 20s and retain the appetite to play and manage.
"Following my appointment as co-manager of the Team GB 35+ Masters side competing at next year’s Maccabiah, I’ve decided to return to Raiders and look forward to another challenging and successful season with some new quality players."
Jon Yantin lays claim to being the MMFL's longest-serving manager.
The return of the MGBSFL last season proved hugely successful - winning the Division Two title - and this year putting a U14 team into Excel League – sons of the MMFL.
Yantin said: "We've got players who have been playing together for more than 25 years. What I think people don’t realise if the flex of the MMFL – roll-on, swap players, quality is still there, not bound up in rules, the ones still playing are the ones that can still play.
"It’s still a very good standard and people get a huge amount out of it and it’s our responsibility to makes sure it continues for years to come.
"Too many players playing small-sided games citing a commitment problem with their children. The MMFL season is completed in seven months and the people who buy into it get a lot out of it. It's definitely a way of encouraging kids into football."
Jon Bartman describes the MMFL as “stepping into a time machine”. The HMH player-manager commented: “The boys have played together from the age of 18 to 32. Then family life stepped in and we all had to change our Sunday morning rituals. Two years ago at the age of 41 we all started again. It’s been amazing fun.
"We all get together on a Sunday morning, the kit is late, the goalie is a defender and more often than not we only have nine players 10 minutes before kick-off.
"We enjoy great banter between all players and now the pace is a little slower with no 18-year-old kid running circles round you. We have had two great seasons in the league and we have a great team spirit that transports us back to our youth and makes you feel great. That is until the pain kicks in on a Monday morning but it’s all forgotten by the following Sunday."
Division One will consist of six teams featuring players aged over 35. Maccabi London Lions have entered a new team. Division Two contains eight teams for those 43 and over.
EDRS Stonegrove are preparing for their 16th season in the MMFL. Ian Leader, who has run the team since inception, says that even though most players are now in their late 50s, and some in their 60s, there is still great anticipation.
He said: “While we all love to win, the fact that we are still playing is a fantastic achievement. I tell all the boys, or should I say old men, before each game to embrace the fact that we are still out there on a Sunday morning playing a sport we love and just to enjoy it.
"Everyone agrees but once you cross that white line it still remains extremely competitive and, as always, we all scream and shout at each other. The difference now is that afterwards we all have a laugh about it and take the mickey out of each other.
"We operate a rotation policy to ensure everyone gets the same game time. We’ve adopted the attitude that winning is secondary and we are proud of our principles."
MMFL chairman Stuart Lustigman said: “It surprises me that, with the opportunity to extend playing careers beyond 35 years and on quality pitches, more players are not progressing to Masters football,” he said.
The league has sent a representative team to play in and tour Israel regularly since 2002 and will be doing so again this coming season. Lustigman said: “We will be sending our ninth and largest delegation to Israel in November comprising 29 players, including 10 newcomers, and 17 supporters."
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