Parndon Royals FC stalwart volunteer Richard “Reg” Mays was presented with a Football Association 50-Year Long Service Award on Saturday (16th December) at Great Parndon Community Association in Harlow.

Richard started playing in the Harlow Sunday League in 1966 with GPO Sports, formed by members of the local post office. In 1968, he retired from playing, became Assistant Coach and also took up refereeing. Eventually he accepted the Manager’s role in 1975 and was Secretary from 1980, as well as joining the committee of the Harlow & District League in 1968.

Now known as Parndon Royals, his team have been synonymous locally for being well-organised, competitive and reliable, offering opportunities for local men to play the sport they enjoy. Still involved today, Reg has devoted decades of service to the family of football. He was presented with his memento by Essex’s FA Representative Alec Berry at the team’s annual Christmas get-together.

To find out more about helping out at your local grassroots football club, or for further information on developing your skills as an existing volunteer, click on the 'Volunteers' link above. Details are also shared by @EssexCountyFA on Twitter and at ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.