Long service recognised

Three South Auckland football administrators have been honoured for their long and dedicated service.

They are Shiu Singh, Mason Dale and Colin Blunt.

Singh is the president of South Auckland Rangers, the Otara-based club which plays in the AFF/Northern Football Federation’s Conference League.

Mason Dale, 51, is the club captain at the Mangere Bridge-based Onehunga Mangere Football Club who are in the Northern Region Football League’s second division while Blunt, 90, is a founder of the High School Old Boys Club, a club that’s just over 30 strong, play in the AFF 1st division and are based at the Papatoetoe High School.

A fourth administrator, Helen Lynch of the Papakura City Football Club was also acknowledged for her year 19 years at City’s McLennan Park headquarters where she is club manager.

Singh, 55, was a member of the Clover Park United Club for five years before the merger with the Otara Rangers in 1989. He also project manager for the building of the $1.8 million Rongomai Sports Centre off Te Irirangi Drive in Flat Bush, a facilities that it shares with the Southern Pride Softball Club.

‘‘I was quiet surprised when Auckland Football told me that I was to receive this award because the club didn’t nominate anyone. I’m honoured by the recognition.

‘‘But I don’t do all this work for the recognition. For me it’s all about promoting football and provide children with opportunities to play.’’

Dale got started with Onehunga Mangere as a junior coach when his two sons Brandon and Meihana came of age. The brothers are 21 and 19 now and their dad, the club captain, is as committed as ever.

‘‘I enjoy what I do. My passion is working with the community and Onehunga Mangere offers me the opportunity. I appreciate the recognition but I really do prefer working in the background.

Blunt, who like Dale and Lynch, got involved because of two football mad children back in 1974, was actively involved in the club until last year when a stroke blew the whistle on his active involvement.

‘‘It was a thrill to be acknowledged. But I didn’t set out to get a long service award so it was a bit unexpected.’’

Blunt’s son Roger received the award on his behalf.