I was just going through some old league records when I came across this piece which I wrote 4 years ago when the league had to fold through lack of interest. Those mentioned did so much for local football and not just in this league. I often wonder if they are a dying breed or are there still plenty of others who have the same dedication which is necessary to ensure that grassroots football flourishses.
Recently, I organised an evening to celebrate the 54-year existence of the Morpeth Sunday League which, sadly, because of lack of interest, has now ceased to exist. Many members of the League Management Committee have been associated with the League for between 25 and 40 years, however, two members, John Mason (Treasurer) and Syd Johnson (President and ex-Secretary) have each been associated with the League for over 50 years and received awards from the Football Association for their dedication. Below is a small tribute to these two gentlemen which gives food for thought, particularly as many players these days would rather watch football on TV than actually play the game.
When a bunch of friends decided to form an 'Unofficial' League in order to give them competitive football in 1962 I wonder if they ever envisaged that it would grow to the extent that it did and would provide football for thousands of players and officials over a 54 year period.
Unfortunately, during the 2015/16 season, it became apparent that the League was struggling to survive and at the Annual General Meeting in June it was decided that the League could no longer continue with only 5 teams wishing to compete.
I wonder how many people really considered the previous 54 years and the work that had been carried out behind the scenes to ensure that competitive football flourished in the Morpeth area? The answer is, probably not too many! However, for those of us on the League Management Committee, we were only too aware of the trials and tribulations of running a successful football league and the effort required from so many people to ensure its longevity. There are quite a number of people on the LMC who have served well over thirty years in dedicating time to develop local football and thanks are due to them. Talking to players and referees, past and present, who have expressed their sorrow that the League is no more it is very apparent that many long-lasting friendships have been made and that they are all richer for their experiences.
However, tonight is a very special night because there are two members who have each dedicated themselves to giving over 50 years service to football in the local area and especially to the Morpeth Sunday League.
It is fitting that their unstinting efforts are being recognised by the awards from the Football Association. There cannot be many leagues throughout the country who will have had two serving members qualifying at the same time.
On behalf of all the members of the League Management Committee and those who have played and officiated in the League, may I say a very big thank you to Syd and John for their diligent work over the past fifty plus years in ensuring that the Morpeth Sunday League has left an indelible mark with its achievements.