The Wanderers were established in 1905 by Bob and Horace Alaway. Little could they have imagined that a century later the Club would have
completed over 100 tours to some 40 countries. Their vision was to establish a touring soccer club to promote goodwill through the ‘beautiful game’ to a number of countries in Europe.
As standards improved in Europe, the Wanderers looked further afield. Under the inspirational leadership of Leslie Taylor and the guidance of the legendary Sir Stanley Rous, tours were undertaken to the Caribbean and Africa in the 60’s and then even further afield to Japan and Asia in the late 60’s and 70’s. In all 7 tours were made to Japan including the Leslie Taylor Memorial Tour in 1990.
In recent years tours have been undertaken in Vietnam, Burma, India, Indonesia and The Gambia. Players are invited to take part and in the main are chosen from senior Non League Football.
The introduction would not be complete without advising you of our close connections with Holland – both KNVB and in particular the distinguished Dutch sporting body De Zwaluwen – The Swallows.
I hope this website will bring back happy memories of your connections with the Wanderers whether those were as players, officials members or supporters of our Annual Dinner.
Anthony W Fay
Chairman
