A grassroots stalwart has received a national Football Association award for 50 years of dedication to volunteering in East Yorkshire.
Jimmy Traynor, 83, has been recognised for his service to football and received the accolade during a surprise ceremony at East Riding Leisure Beverley.
He was presented with a letter of thanks, an engraved medal and lapel badge by East Riding FA chief executive Adam Lowthorpe.
It was a pleasure to be able to make the presentation in front of some of the coaches and players at AFC Tickton and I think Jimmy was quite emotional that people had gone to all that trouble.
adam lowthorpe
Jimmy has been a registered referee since 1965 and is best known for his service to AFC Tickton, a club based in Beverley, where, since 1990, he has held various roles including coach, secretary, mentor and welfare officer.
He is currently club president and, in recent years, helped to establish AFC Tickton’s girls’ teams.
“He has been connected to the club for so long, it’s relentless,” said Mr Lowthorpe.
“The Long Service To Football Award is given by The FA to say thanks for such dedicated service to grassroots football.
“It was a pleasure to be able to make the presentation in front of some of the coaches and players at AFC Tickton and I think Jimmy was quite emotional that people had gone to all that trouble.
“People who volunteer like that don’t do it for any personal credit but I think it meant a lot to him to see how valuable his contribution to the community has been.”
AFC Tickton secretary and club welfare officer Kirsty Brumpton said: “Jimmy’s contribution to local grassroots football, and in particular AFC Tickton, is amazing.
“Myself, the committee and everyone in the club were over the moon to hear he had been awarded and recognised for time he has and continues to give everyone.
“His work and dedication have helped hundreds of players and volunteers get involved in the game we all love and the level of respect and appreciation for him could not be higher.
“He should be very proud of his achievements. We are certainly proud to have him involved in our club.”
