FA Order of Merit for Services to Grassroots Football
FA Order of Merit presented at East Riding FA Grassroots Football Awards
The FA Order of Merit is presented to people for their long service to grassroots football in England.
This year we are delighted to be able to present the award to six people from our county who have served football for 50 years or more.
East Riding FA CEO Adam Lowthorpe said; "We are are delighted that we can recognise so many people for their long service to grassroots football. Through their time and dedication the lives of so many people will have been affected positively with with so many memories made along the way. On behalf of the East Riding FA I would like to thank all of our recipients for their contribution to grassroots football."
MICK MELLORS
Mick Mellors long service to grassroots football started back in 1971 with Chalk Lane FC.
Serving the club as a player, manager and chairman Mick has also played an integral role in fundraising for the club.
Recognised for his commitment to his grassroots football Mick has spent countless hours providing opportunities for people to play and coach with his love for the game unwavering.
Harold Woodmansey
Harold is the president of the MKM Hull Sunday Men’s League with his involvement with the league starting back in 1961.
Since then, he has held the role of Assistant League secretary, Registrations secretary and then Registration Treasurer.
Harold was an instrumental figure in making the Hull Sunday Men's League one of the biggest in Europe and is credited with providing opportunities for thousands of men to play the game.
Malcolm Goforth
Malcom’s long and indebted service to the games has primarily being as a referee in the East Riding Girls League with him registering as a match official back in 1971.
During his time as a match official Malcolm is affectionally remembered for his fairness and respect for the game.
A constant source of help and support for others Malcolm has always gone the extra mile to support grassroots football.
Trevor Heslewood
Trevor started out as a player with Norton United back in 1962 before becoming the team manager, club groundsman and club secretary.
Through out his time at Norton United Trevor has always been proud of his club and is credited with providing footballing opportunities for many local people.
Without his passion and determination the club would have struggled to continue but throughout this Trevor's commitment never wavered.
MIKE HARNESS
Mike started his involvement with grassroots football back in 1971 when he started playing for Hammonds FC. It wasn't long though before he switched to Springhead FC with him going on spend over 40 years at the club.
During his time with Springhead FC Mike held the role of Secretary, Chairman and President with him also going on to hold on a number of other 'unofficial' roles.
Mike sadly passed away earlier this year with his family present to collect the award in his memory.
Dennis Drewry
Dennis has been a match official for over 50 years and still continues to be a match official to this day.
Noted for his love for the game and his fairness when refereeing Dennis has also spent countless hours supporting the development of other match officials.
Dennis is also an active committee member of the East Riding Girls League.
Jimmy Traynor
Jimmy’s involvement in grassroots football started when he moved to the area in the early 1970's where his involvement in grassroots football started at Leconfield FC.
It wasn't long though before he moved to AFC Tickton and then also tried his hand at refereeing.
During his time at AFC Tickton Jimmy has held several roles and still finds time to support the clubs’ new coaches in his role as Club President.