It was standing room only at the Essex County FA annual meeting as a packed Marconi Sports and Social Club in Chelmsford saw football veterans from around the region collect a variety of grassroots awards.

The ECFA honoured four members of their own in the Executive Council category with Keith Miller and Len Cordell receiving gold medals for ten years service while Jeff Saxton was given the honours badge for five years service and Peter Crowhurstwas made a vice president.

The award of merit featured Cyril Gray, Freddie Cox and Harry Barker who, between them, have given 139 years to their clubs and leagues.

Cyril was rewarded for 57 years honorary service to football in Essex as an administrator with Hadleigh Athletic, Hadleigh Albion and Thundersley and Hadleigh FC.

Youth football was represented by Harry Barker, who was recognised for 35 years service to Leys United, Maplestead, Echo Junior Football League and the Essex County Youth FA, while Freddie Cox has almost chalked up a half century with Kelvedon Hatch FC.

The Southend area were out in force at this year's event with a whole host of awards travelling back to the seaside town.

Albert Catton, Terry Smith and Alan Wilkins from the Southend and District Junior League were awarded long service certificates, while Tony Hoskins (services to Southend football) and David and Yvonne Haycock (both Southend and District Junior League and Southend Manor JFC) were winners in the outstanding services category.

Other outstanding service winners included Doug Winship (Belhus Park, Horndon Youth and AFC Horndon FC).

Commenting on the evening Essex County FA Chairman Dicky Brooks said: "I can't remember the last time we had so many people at our annual meeting and I'd like to congratulate all the award winners for the service they've given to Essex football."

Published Monday, June 16, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo