Terry Cove has earned an FA 50-Year Award for his dedication and services to the grassroots game, recognising decades of volunteering work in the name of club and league football, as well as charity fundraising.

Known largely for his efforts on behalf of Manford Way FC, who he joined in 1974, Terry received his award from Andy Chaplin (Essex County FA Chairman and FA Representative), who was delighted to present a memento. Terry’s playing career started in 1960, appearing for Chigwell Juniors.

He was an individual with a passion for the game, ending his playing days in 1997 at the age of 49 as a veteran for Manford Way. Terry was a talented, reliable player who never let his team down, giving it all on the pitch. Along his journey, he also played for Chigwell Grange in the London & Essex Border League and Chigwell (1963-1968) and Corinthian Rangers in the Ilford & District League.

In 1974, Terry moved to Manford Way, starting a long association with the club. They competed in the Ilford & District and Essex Business Houses Leagues. He then progressed into veterans football. Terry played on Sundays for Spartak Retreat (1972-1974) in the Dagenham & District Sunday League, and for Alfred’s Head in the Sunday Independent League (1974-1979).

Having concluded his time as a player, Terry took up the whistle as a referee from 1982 to 2000. A confident and well-liked match official, he had a great understanding of players and the way they performed on the pitch. Terry naturally progressed into football management, and he took on the task of Secretary at Manford Way in 1975, a position he still holds to this day.

His knowledge of football is beyond doubt, and he is the ‘go-to man’ at the club. Terry also served as Secretary for Elmbridge (2000-2005) and Alfred’s Head (1977-1979). Meanwhile, his commitment was recognised by various grassroots leagues as he was elected to serve on their committees.

He volunteered for the Ilford & District League (1978-1983), the Sunday Independent League (1976-1980), the Essex Business Houses League (1987-2005) and the Mid-Essex League (2013 to date). Additionally, Terry was a member of the committee for the Stepney Charity Cup, raising much-needed funds for this East London charity competition between 1992 and 1997.

If you’d like to find out more about becoming a volunteer in grassroots Essex football, browse the menus above. You can also interact with the @EssexCountyFA account on Twitter/X, or by searching for the ‘EssexFootball’ page on Facebook.