Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Medal mix-up sees awards cancelled
DUNDEE and District Youth Football Association has been forced to cancel its annual awards ceremony at the last minute after medals failed to appear on time.
About two dozen teams – league winners, runners-up and cup winners – ranging in ages from Under/13s through to Under/19s, were set to be rewarded for their efforts over the season at the Caird Hall tonight.
However, an unforeseen delay in the shipping – believed to be from Asia – means no medals have arrived and organisers have been left with no option but to postpone the event.
It has been swiftly rearranged for Tuesday July 10, but with the school summer break kicking in this weekend, many teams will be minus players and helpers who will be away on holiday.
DDYFA president Jim Falconer admitted his frustration and disappointment at having to postpone the event at such short notice, but insisted there was no alternative. He said: “We were told by the supplier they had been shipped but they have failed to arrive.
“It’s a huge disappointment and it’s the first time I can ever remember this happening.
“Dundee City Council has been very understanding and it’s great we’ve been able to fix up an alternative date.
“I realise people will be disappointed but what else could we do? All clubs affected have been informed.”
The DDYFA presentation is a firm favourite in the city’s footballing calendar and has been taking place at the Caird Hall since the early 70s.
It’s always well attended by players, their coaches, helpers and parents.
Jamie McGrath, manager of the Ferry Athletic Under/16 team, said he was unaware of the reasons for the cancellation
“I’m not really sure why it has been cancelled,” he said.
“Our club received an email saying it’s been cancelled. We only found out yesterday.”
Chris Kettles, manager of Kirrie Thistle Under/14s, said: “We are disappointed about it.
“They are rearranging it for in the school holidays and a few of the players are away and will miss it.
“It is the first chance to lift the league trophy and some of them will miss out on that.”