George scores a winner with community award
Dedication honoured
He’s the backbone of the junior football community.
Now this hardworking volunteer has been hailed off the pitch taking the title of Cumnock Citizen of the Year 2016.
George Morton, 73, is preparing to celebrate at Dumfries House after receiving the top award from the Kier McTurk Memorial Committee for his commitment to junior football over the past four decades.
Born on Emrys Avenue, Cumnock, in 1943 to James and Martha Morton, George was one of nine children and began volunteering 41 years ago, taking on the role as secretary at Cumnock Juniors Football Club in 1976 which he fitted around his job as a foreman.
After overseeing generations of young men and boys as they played in grounds across Ayrshire, George went on to become president of the Ayrshire Junior Football Association from 1981 until 1983.
In 2011, George took his career to the next level and became president of the Scottish Junior Football Association, hanging up his badge in 2014.
And all this time, through his responsibilities off and on the pitch, the grandfather of one stayed devoted to Cumnock Juniors, acting as chairman of the committee for Cumnock Juniors Community Enterprise.
He told the Post: “I’m so proud to receive this award.
“I have to admit I had no idea that I was even a candidate so it was a really lovely surprise.
“I would like to thank all of the supporters who have came to watch our games, come rain or shine, the parents, the teams and the kids who have made the job worth it every single day.
“So many people from Cumnock have devoted their time and effort into junior football.
“It is a celebrated sport here in the town and we have so many enthusiastic players.
“I am so proud to be from Cumnock and to play my part in the history of Ayrshire football. I was born here and I’ll finish here – it is a wonderful town to live in.
“There is a real community spirit here and we all work together to make this the best place it can be for our young people, who have helped me to receive this award.
“I am so excited to attend Dumfries House, where my friends and family can’t wait to celebrate alongside me – and we’ll be celebrating on behalf of the Cumnock community.”
In his spare time, George enjoys spending time with his children, Alan and Mary and granddaughter Hollie, as well as outdoor bowling at Cumnock and indoor bowling at Auchinleck.
Colin Chisholm, chairman of the Keir McTurk Memorial Committee, said: “A very well done to George, who is a very worthy recipient who has dedicated all those years to the club – I appreciate everything he does.
“It’s a very well deserved award for a true Cumnock man.”