Comments on: Len Hoffman, Sports Coach

By: John Nightingale

John Nightingale — Fri, 29 May 2020 19:30:11 +0000

Len taught me to play the game in 1968 at the long gone Fairbairn Boys Club. He was the king of table 1. We nearly always finished with a game of “Round the Table”. Len would put a match box in the middle of the table and defended that end. You attempted to hit the match box in order to progress to the next round. If you didn’t, you had to return the ball and run around the table and Len for the next shot. Not so bad with 3 or 4 players but crafty Hoffman played hard. Great memories of the man and gentler times.

By: George Brown

George Brown — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 17:12:24 +0000

I attended Sebert Road from around 1966 onwards. I played for the five a side team who played opposite the slaughter house in Beckton Road. Some names I remember from there were Ian Cullip, John Allen, Martin Thorn. Alan Curbishley also played in the five a side team.

Len’s favourite saying I remember after he joined in playing football on the outside cinder pitches on a Sunday morning was he only made one mistake his forty yarder that hit the bar. He was a good man who always treated everyone the same.

By: TARIQ RANA

TARIQ RANA — Fri, 27 Jul 2018 23:16:49 +0000

I was saddened to hear the news about Len’s passing. He was an absolute gentleman who dedicated so much of his time to help coach young children over such a long period of time. My children were so incredibly fond of him, having spent several years at Mossford TTC, and are also deeply upset to hear this news. Truly one of a kind. Always patient, always kind and gentle. A genuinely lovely guy. Thank you Len for all the love and attention you gave.

By: Dick Hobbs

Dick Hobbs — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 21:54:39 +0000

Len died last week, and his funeral was today 21st of June 2018. He was a true gentleman, and many champions and ordinary mortals alike are in his debt.
From a personal standpoint he ran a threadbare boys club that gave me a much needed refuge from home and school. He coached, encouraged and displayed rare qualities of kindness, grit and humour.
Cheers Len.

By: Adi

Adi — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 10:54:00 +0000

Len is very nice person and inspiring living legend. He was very regular there at this age to help and encourage young kids in Mossford club. I’m privileged to conduct tournaments in his place as he is coming there occasionally. Great moments when we had photo session with him. My son (red T-shirt above) repeatedly seeing this pictures and discussing about Len, the great Coach.

By: james collar

james collar — Thu, 05 Jan 2017 18:49:54 +0000

Hello,Just read this site,and as others has brought back many memories, I attended in around 50/60s,FIRST THOUGHTS,The home made football pitch, the tin bath to wash down, THE huge snooker table that took up half the club, But my love was the table tennis, played most of the night and remember Chas Barnes showing me how to serve,, also remembered the E-T-T tickets that Len ask me sell, my mother bought them as she knew I loved the club so supported Len; AT THE AGE OF 78 I am still playing league Table Tennis in the North East Leagues, I purchased a bat in 1964, pimples both side, and still useing it for matches,My wifes great uncle worked in the cobblers at the top of SEBERT Road,where I got all my football studs renewed” So PLEASED THAT LEN is still around,I have survived the shock of scoreing to 11 points instead of the thrill of 21 POINTS WHERE IN MY OPINION THE ART OF TABLE TENNIS AND THOSE 5 SERVES HAS LOST OUT, BUT HEY HO // we all move on; WOULD APPRECIATE IF YOU COULD PASS ON TO CHESTER BARNES THIS NEWS FLASH. HAPPY DAYS, JIM COLLAR.

By: Keith hall

Keith hall — Sun, 04 Sep 2016 15:44:26 +0000

Good old len,i am 64 now but i was with len at his club in forest gate for many years. He used to arrange stop overs at the club, with table tennis and football on the all weather pitch outside. Then it was the trips to butlins, i have a photo somewhere with chester barnes, my best
memories i have are with

By: Neville Turner

Neville Turner — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 14:30:01 +0000

Len is indeed one of London’s unsung heroes giving the young a sence of community that will be with them for many years, we need more people like Len Hoffman to help young people gain self confidence and enjoy their leasure time.Keep up the good work Len and good luck to you, your’s is an uplifting story.

By: Joan Barleycorn

Joan Barleycorn — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 20:40:43 +0000

Unsung hero indeed.

By: John Campbell

John Campbell — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 19:02:22 +0000

What an inspirational chap. Len must be responsible for steering countless young people across many generations in the right direction and on their way in life. Good to see someone who truly deserves an honour be recognised by his country. Long may you continue Len!