All MGBSFL matches played on Sunday morning saw players observe a moment of silence prior to kick-off, while players also wore black armbands in tribute to David Wolff, a key figure in Jewish sport for more than seven decades.
Wolff, 81, was chairman of the Maccabi GB Southern Football (MGBSFL) League, a position he had held since 1970.
His involvement with Maccabi sport began in the 1950s, when he managed the Youth League’s Ivri Maccabi. He joined the MGBSFL Management Committee as Assistant Secretary in 1963, became the Vice Chair in 1965, before being appointed Chairman – which he held until his passing.
He oversaw an exponential growth in the League, growing from a single division of 12 teams into the beating heart of Jewish adult football in the UK, peaking at 66 teams and more than 1,700 registered players.
More latterly, he was awarded MGB’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Jewish Volunteering Awards, which also saw him inducted into JVN’s Living Volunteer Archive, and just a few days ago at the start of February, he was appointed an Honorary Life President of Maccabi GB, acknowledging a lifetime devoted to Jewish sport, community building, and voluntary service.
Paying tribute, Maccabi GB Chief Executive Ashley Lerner, said: “David lived the values he believed in. He used football as a vehicle for inclusion, identity, friendship, and continuity, and in doing so shaped not just leagues and competitions, but lives.
“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.”
Phil Peters, the current MGBSFL vice-chair said: “David was a true mensch and a giant of Jewish football. For more than 60 years, he gave selflessly to the League, creating a place of belonging for thousands across generations.
“It’s been an honour to serve as his vice-chairman for the past decade and to learn from his principles, warmth and unwavering commitment.”
David being presented with The Bobby Moore Award for the 2024 Grassroots Heroes Awards[Missing Credit]
In addition to his work in the MGBSFL, Wolff served on the National Maccabi Football Committee, first as Secretary and then as Chairman from 1976 to 2000, where he organised the Peter Morrison Trophy, widely regarded as the Jewish FA Cup, as well as national junior competitions for Under 11s, Under 13s, and Under 16s. From 1990 to 1993, he was Sports Director of Maccabi GB and represented the movement at numerous European Maccabi Games, always acting as an ambassador for British Jewish sport.
Clubs were also quick to pay their own tribute. Speaking on behalf of Hendon United Sports Club, one of the League’s biggest clubs, Russ Corin said: “David was a giant of a man in Jewish Sport. We would speak almost weekly, and without fail he would ask after our players before anything else, that was David. He genuinely cared about the people behind the team and loved the MGBSFL in a way that made everyone involved in the league feel proud to be a part of it.
“Our club Hendon, and many others, continue to play Maccabi League football because of him. He dedicated countless hours of his life for others to enjoy Sunday league football, built around Judaism, community and Zionism. David did this not for recognition, but because he believed in it.”
Oakwood, who have arguably been the most successful club over the past ten years, were jointly-managed by Daniel Kristall. He said: “David was a tremendous influence in Maccabi football, his passion and dedication to the league, spanning more than 60 years, were truly inspiring. His legacy will live on in the league forever, and his personality and impact will remain a part of it moving forward.”
Stoke Salmon players pay their respect to David Wolff ahead of their match on Sunday morning[Missing Credit]
Temple Fortune are the League’s longest-running club. Chairman Nigel Kyte said: “David’s 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.
“From everyone at Temple Fortune FC and from all those who knew him, our heartfelt condolences go to his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Jon Jacobs, Chairman of another long-standing club, Redbridge Jewish Care, said: “I first met David nearly 45 years ago, and he remained a constant in my life ever since. David devoted his whole life to Maccabi Football and without him the League would not have existed in the 60 years he ran it for.
David, pictured with Oakwood's joint-managers Ric Blank and Daniel Kristall[Missing Credit]
“All of my lifelong friends came from me being part of a Maccabi club team and I’m sure there are many people who will say the same. The weekly phone calls will be no more but the Football memories and stories that I shared with David will remain. May his memory be a blessing.”
HMH, another club with a rich history of Maccabi involvement, said: “We’re incredibly sad to hear the news of David’s passing and are grateful for all that he brought to grassroots Jewish football.”
Paying his own personal tribute, Bochur Juniors manager Joel Ucko said: “David created a space in which football and competitive sport became an avenue not only to connect, but to embrace and love Jewish identity. For more than 60 years, he built a community whose purpose was to bring people from every background together, to feel proud to be Jewish, and to build families and lives grounded in strong Jewish values.
“He didn’t just build a league. He built a Jewish community that brought people together across backgrounds and denominations. He built friendships. He built pride. He built unity. And he did it quietly and relentlessly for decades, guiding so many people through challenges without ever asking for credit.”
Away from the Jewish community, he served the London FA continuously from 1970, contributing to its Cups Committee, Finance Committee, Disciplinary Committees, and Benevolent Fund. In 2022, he was appointed Honorary President of the London FA (LFA), an honour which reflected the decades of service he gave to grassroots football across the county. Earlier, in 2004, he received the London FA’s Bobby Moore Award as part of the Grassroots Heroes Awards, which he spoke of with particular pride as a lifelong and passionate West Ham supporter.
Releasing their own statement, the LFA said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of David Wolff. He dedicated more than 60 years to football and community service and oversaw tens of thousands of players through his tireless commitment to grassroots football.
“Deeply committed to Jewish sport and grassroots football, David remained passionate and active throughout his life, regularly attending matches and supporting young players. Known for his calm, fair, and balanced approach, he always put the game and its people first.
“David Wolff leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of service, leadership, and compassion. He touched countless lives through football and will be remembered with great respect and affection.”
David was also the Life Vice-President of Wingate & Finchley Football Club. Club chairman Aron Sharpe: “David was a kind and wonderful soul. He was the central figure for me when I became Chairman and, quite honestly, without his calm and professional assistance, I very much doubt that the club would have pulled through and flourished.
“His undoubted commitment to the beautiful game has allowed Jewish football to flourish for decades. You are able to recognise just how influential he was by the amount of awards and accolades that were presented to him.”
The Isthmian League, which forms levels seven and eight of the English Football League, released their own statement, saying: “We would like to send our condolences to David's family and friends, to all at the Maurice Rebak [Wingate & Finchley] Stadium, and indeed to all in the wider community who are affected by the passing of this remarkable man.
“Rest in peace, David. You will be greatly missed, but you leave an incredible legacy.”
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