HERBERT SPENCER WAS RECOGNISED BY THE CRAVEN DISTRICT FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION FOR HIS 75 YEARS SERVICE TO FOOTBALL

Herbert Spencer
75 Years’ Service to Grassroots Football

Well known Silsden gentleman, Herbert Spencer has completed 75 years’ service to Grassroots Football within the Craven area. This achievement has been recognised with a presentation of a certificate to commemorate this wonderful achievement.
Herbert was presented with the Football Association Long Service Award in 1995 for 50 years’ service to the game by the then Chairman, Colin Taylor of the West Riding County FA.
Herbert was instrumental at the end of World War 2 in setting up Silsden Juniors as a 14 year old; however after several years playing he suffered an injury that curtailed his playing days and it was at this time he became a Referee, officiating throughout the West Riding until the then Referees retiring age of 47.
Herbert has held various official capacities in the Football fraternity over the 75 years. He was Chairman of the Craven Referees Society and 45 years ago he was invited to join the Executive Committee of the Craven District Football Association, of which he was Chairman for 15 years and provided a formidable team with his close friend the late Allan Cawood, who was Secretary during this time.
Always interested in Junior Football he was a founder member of the Craven Junior League and when they amalgamated with the Wharfedale, Bradford and Keighley areas, Herbert became Chairman of the present Craven, Aire, Wharfe Junior League, working alongside another close friend, Mike Breeze, who was until just recently Secretary of the Junior League.
Herbert, who is highly respected in local footballing circles can certainly be classed as a stalwart of Grassroots Football, devoting hours of his leisure time to enable footballers throughout the area, both adult and junior to enjoy the beautiful game.

The above supplied by David Town, Secretary of Craven District FA and member of the West Riding County FA, Unfortunately, due to the present situation it was impossible to hold a normal presentation ceremony.