MFX, the Isle of Man’s dedicated foreign exchange currency brokerage, have announced they are sponsoring one of the Island’s leading walking footballers, Stephen Falconer, as he bids to achieve further international recognition with the England national team.
Known as Falcy in footballing circles, Stephen started playing as a junior for Douglas Boys back in the late sixties. Over the last 50 years, in a trophy-laden career, he has won honours at club and national level on the Island. Twice a Manx Footballer of the Year, he went on to have success in football management with Laxey and Peel’s first teams.
Now into his sixties, he’s still winning medals with Governor’s Athletic walking football team, the reigning league champions.
Last year, his talents were spotted by the England team when he was playing for the Isle of Man at a tournament in Dublin. He was asked to go for trials across and is now very much part of the England set-up.
Walking football is currently considered the fastest growing sport in the UK, with over 60,000 playing in England, at 1,000 different clubs. In 2024, international tournaments are being held in Italy, Poland and Malta.
Stephen attends a monthly training session in England, in addition to being available for tournaments and MFX have stepped in to contribute towards his accommodation and travel expenses for regular trips to link-up with the England squad.
“I am extremely grateful for MFX’s support as the regular trips back and forth from England were becoming quite challenging,” said Stephen. I don’t want to give up on playing at the highest level for as long as I can, which is why the MFX sponsorship has come along at just the right time.
“My enthusiasm for football hasn’t altered. I strongly believe that football provides an opportunity to develop lasting relationships, encourages teamwork and improves both the physical and mental well-being of those that are involved,” he added.
May Hooper, MFX’s Managing Director, said that she was delighted to be helping Stephen achieve his dream of playing more regular international football.
“Stephen has shown what hard work and dedication can bring in sport,” she commented. “He has represented the Island with distinction and now that he has been given this great opportunity to shine with the England walking football team, our aim is to help him win many more international caps in the coming years.
“What a fine example he is to the older generation, proving that regular exercise and fitness can take you a long way in life. It just goes to show that you don’t need to be in your teens or twenties to receive international recognition,” May added.
After his England call-up, the Chairman of Governor’s Athletic, Karl Hunter, described Stephen as “a top guy and legend to boot”. The club added: “Falcy won the league with Govs last season and is a top man, known well throughout Manx football. Good luck, Falcy.”
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