Chairman receives FA award

SUNDAY LEAGUE STALWART PRESENTED WITH LONG SERVICE AWARD Football

Chairman Alan Speakman was honoured with a 50-year FA long service award at Ashford & District Sunday League’s presentation night at Sandyacres on Friday night.

Now in his 33rd year in the post, Alan has been on the league management committee for 48 years, starting as secretary in 1969, before taking on the role of treasurer, a position he still holds.

Apart from serving the league, he has also helped run member club Prince Albert FC for 46 years as both secretary and treasurer.

He received the award from guest of honour, Kent FA vice-chairman and FA member Philip Smith.

The citation read: “Alan has helped to guide and lead the league, which over the years has grown in both terms of strength and the number of clubs.

“He has done it with a sound and level-headed common sense approach which ensures it continues to operate smoothly and effectively.

“Alan’s dedicated hard work of running both a local club and also managing the affairs of the Ashford Sunday League, is quite remarkable.

“He is a fully deserving recipient for his outstanding 55 years’ involvement in local football.”

His playing career started with Willesborough Millers, before a move to Waltham FC in Canterbury, taking over as secretary and continuing in both roles until 1980.

Waltham started a Sunday side called Nelson Sports who were elected at the 1969 Ashford & District Sunday League annual meeting that saw Alan appointed league secretary.

They folded two years later, with many players leaving to join Prince Albert, who Alan continues to serve.

‘Alan’s dedicated hard work of running a local club and managing the affairs of the league is quite remarkable’