Robert Chandler, Middlesex County Schools’ FA, receiving his Long Service Award for 40 years in schools’ football from the Chief Executive, John Read
The ESFA Chairman, Neil Pont, talks us through his experiences at the recent Long-Service Awards:
I have recently had to undertake one of my more pleasant tasks associated with being chairman of ESFA - presenting awards to members who have served the association for 40 or 50 years. The Midlands awards took place at Villa Park while, in the North, we held the awards lunch at the Tickled Trout Hotel near Preston. Meanwhile my Vice-Chairman, Dave Woollaston, was making the South awards at Reading FC.
It is fitting that people who have given such sterling service should, for once, have a fuss made of them. ESFA is built upon the hard work of loyal, unassuming volunteers who believe passionately in what they do - why else would they carry on so long?
Of course much reminiscing goes on at these events. We think back to when beer was 10p a pint and when it was very chic to drink Mateus rose and turn the bottle into a bedside lamp. There are also stories of great players, teams and matches and of the friendship made through school football.
But also we wonder - when these people actually DO stop working in school football, will someone take their place? Sadly, in some cases, it may be that when they go no-one will step forward. But this is not true everywhere. In many parts of the country these ‘faithful servants’ use their experience, skills and wisdom to support the next generation of volunteers who will ensure that our great organisation continues to flourish.
Of course, school football is different now. But what has not changed in the past 50 years? Different doesn’t mean better - nor does it mean worse; just different. School football is still a great vehicle for the development of young people. Through this medium they develop a love of the game; they keep fit and healthy; they learn about making positive decisions and about self-discipline, loyalty and respect.
So - while we looked back during the long service award lunches we also looked forward - and we looked forward with confidence, realising that ESFA will still be there in 50 years’ time (even if we are not!).
To see the previous story focused on the rest of recepients of long service awards, please click here.
