The Eton Fives Association and the Rugby Fives Association began working together in 2001, establishing the “Fives Forum”. The body featured representatives from both codes, meeting twice a year to share knowledge and discuss matters of mutual interest.

In 2005, this was formalised with the creation of the Fives Federation, with Wallball joining shortly afterwards.

Over the last 14 years, there has been a steady turnover of representatives at Federation meetings. The one constant has been Mike Fenn, who was one of the driving forces behind the creation of the Fives Forum and who has since been at the heart of maintaining the close ties between the three codes.

Mike has decided to step down as one of the EFA representatives on the Fives Federation this year.

Those who know Mike from his 40 years as Secretary of the Old Ipswichian Fives Club (which he founded in 1966) and 10 years as Secretary of the EFA will not be surprised to hear that Mike has worked tirelessly in his 14 years with the Federation. He contributed hugely to many of the joint cross-code initiatives that have come about as a result of Fives Federation meetings.

Most notably, Mike was a key player in the creation and production of our joint publications and communications as well as having a crucial role to play in numerous other issues such as incorporation, charitable status, our online presence, coaching, court building, insurance, health and safety, sponsorship, and more.

Sports like Fives rely on a small number of people to do a large amount of work and the Federation has been lucky to have had such a dedicated servant as Mike. His willingness to take on new jobs and his encyclopaedic knowledge of the game will be much missed but he leaves the Federation in rude health. Mike will continue in his role as Vice-President of the EFA, but leaves his role on the Federation with the grateful thanks of everyone else who has been involved over the years and all those who love the sport of Fives.

Write up from the The Eton Fives Association