Littletown stalwart bags award for 50 years’ service

Derek Senior, 72, was unexpectedly handed the medal by Barry Chaplin, chairman of the West Riding County FA after the Brook Butler Cup Final at Beck Lane.

Derek has been involved with Littletown FC since 1961, firstly playing as a defender.

He joined the club’s committee in 1967 and then became treasurer from 1976 to 2009, when he stepped down due to health issues.

He said: “It is nice to get the award because it’s something you like doing anyway. You don’t do it to get awards. You do it because it’s what you have done it all your life.

“There are thousands and thousands of unsung heroes who take the time to organise football.

“You get a bit of pride in your club and try to maintain it.”

With his Littletown peers in the 1960s, Derek was among the first amateur players to be given international clearance by the FA for regular matches with Dutch side R.K.T.V.V.

Derek, who never once got a red card, also remembers the time Littletown got into the Guinness Book of World Records for the most penalties taken at a shootout during a 2001 cup tie with Storthes Hall. Each team scored 17 goals before the match was re-scheduled.

He has been registrations secretary of the West Riding County Amateur League since 1975.

“It’s quite a big job, but I know it so well now.”