"IT is good seeing so many footballers really enjoying the game and playing it the way it should be played."
Those were the words of Tony Parrott – chairman of the South Bank Alarms Grimsby Sunday League – after picking up a prestigious award.
Parrott received the Services to Sport award at the annual NELSA presentation evening at the Beachcomber, in Humberston.
"It came as a surprise to me that I had been nominated and I was very grateful," he said.
"Once I saw the people I was competing with, I thought I had no chance.
"Barry Brown is a great guy and has represented cricket very well.
"Pete Winchester is an icon in the swimming world and is a person who has a lot of support.
"Once the result was announced, I was amazed – and I was very pleased to receive the cup from councillor Mick Burnett."
Parrott has been involved with the town's Sunday football league since its launch in 1952, and has served the competition as a player, administrator, and in recent years as chairman.
He continued: "The greatest pleasure I get is from meeting so many good people, and the Sunday League is full of people always willing to help.
"It is good seeing so many footballers really enjoying the game and playing it the way it should be played.
"That is why this league is still holding its own, despite the backdrop of the national decline of 11-a-side football.
"Discipline is another big factor, as it is improving each and every week.
"The league has Charter Standard and is the largest 11-a-side adult league in Lincolnshire.
"We regularly have our committee members at grounds, observing standards and making contact with players.
"This way we hope to eliminate problems before they really start.
"It is also an opportunity to meet referees and to make yourself known. They are very important in the make-up of our league and their contribution is greatly appreciated."
Despite the success of the Grimsby Sunday League, Parrott was keen to sound a note of caution.
He added: "Sunday football in this area is on a tightrope.
"We lost teams last season, but I can now see potential growth which will, hopefully, swell our numbers again.
"There is no doubt that the development at Bradley has made a big difference, and we use it to a maximum on a Sunday morning.
"The staff at Bradley ensure that the site is well managed – which is a far cry to days of yesteryear with burnt-out cars, people parking anywhere and causing problems.
"Another potential growth area is the Humber Cup competition in the summer.
"Entries are increasing every year. We use the Bradley site and games are played throughout the week between July and August."
Parrott has worked tirelessly to improve the standard of the league over the years, and his enthusiasm and commitment has clearly helped it to flourish.
