David Wolff was a towering figure in Jewish sport and grassroots football in Britain, whose influence spanned more than seven decades and impacted generations of players, volunteers, and administrators.
His passing marks the end of an era for Jewish football, but his legacy will endure wherever the game continues to bring people together in community.
David’s football journey began in the late 1950s with Ivri Maccabi in the Youth League, where his commitment was evident from the outset. Still a young man, he was asked to manage the club’s Under 16s, an early sign of the leadership and trust he inspired. In December 1963, he joined the Maccabi GB Southern Football League Management Committee as Assistant Secretary, becoming Vice Chair in 1965 and Chairman in 1970. It was a role he would hold for more than half a century.
Under David’s stewardship, the league grew 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. The league has remained vibrant, relevant, and deeply connected to community life. For many, it was their primary connection to Maccabi, Maccabi GB and their Jewish identity, something David nurtured carefully, always encouraging wider involvement and a sense of belonging.
David’s leadership was never just about numbers. He was known for his approachability, fairness, and genuine love of the game. He was a mentor to new volunteers, a steady presence for long standing players, and a source of calm authority when challenges arose. His passion ensured that Jewish adults of all ages continued to have opportunities to play competitively, socially, and proudly within a Jewish framework.
Alongside his work in the MGBSFL, David served on the National Maccabi Football Committee, first as Secretary and then as Chairman from 1976 to 2000. In this role, 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.
David’s influence extended well beyond 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, a rare and fitting honour that reflected decades of service 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, an accolade he spoke of with particular pride as a lifelong and passionate West Ham supporter.
Throughout his career, David was an inspiration to others. He actively supported and advised the Maccabi Masters Football League, the AJY Football League, and the Maccabi GB Junior Football League, sharing his experience generously and helping shape governance, documentation, and sustainable structures. He was especially committed to encouraging younger volunteers, creating a pipeline of future leaders who felt trusted, supported, and empowered.
In recognition of his extraordinary contribution, divisional trophies bearing David’s name continue to be competed for each season in the MGBSFL.
At the 2025 Jewish Volunteering Awards, David was awarded Maccabi GB’s Lifetime Achievement Award and was inducted into JVN’s Living Volunteer Archive.
It was just a few days ago, at the start of February 2026, David was appointed an Honorary Life President of Maccabi GB, acknowledging a lifetime devoted to Jewish sport, community building, and voluntary service.
David Wolff 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.
May his memory be a blessing.
David was born on December 16, 1944 and died February 3, 2026
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