County FA Chairman Geoff Lee Presented With 50 Year Service Award
Geoff Lee, Cornwall FA Chairman and FA Representative has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to football over the last 50 years.
Geoff was born in March 1952 in East Ham, London and is an avid West Ham supporter. During his time in Essex he played with the Essex Schools FA and became a qualified referee working in youth football during the 1968-1970 seasons. He has a background in teaching, first training in Exeter at St Lukes College and then spending 34 years working in Cornish schools, teaching many young people who have since become popular faces in local grassroots football.
Whilst attending St Lukes College Exeter he played for several Western and South Western League teams and was named club captain for St Lukes College team in the 1971-72 season. To compliment his teaching Geoff decided to complete the FA Coach Preliminary Award, becoming a fully qualified coach in 1973 and thus kicking off his interest in coaching football.
The year after he took up the role as secretary for the East Cornwall Schools FA, whilst also challenging his on-pitch skills in Senior Cornish football playing for team teams such as Penzance, Bodmin, Saltash and St Blazey in the years to follow.
It was from 1977 to 1980 when he became the Cornwall FA Youth Representative team manager alongside a role as Cornwall Schools U18 Manager. His roles within the Schools FA developed and in 1990 he was elected to the ESFA Council, followed on with an election as the Chairman of the Schools International Football Board in 1999, finally being made a life member in 2005.
His role on the Cornwall FA Council began in 2002 being elected as School Representative, already having a strong name for himself within grassroots football, this then led onto his election as FA Council Representative for Cornwall FA in 2005. His latest achievements include being elected as Chairman of the Cornwall Football Association in 2008 and his election to the FA National Game board in 2010.
Geoff has since stepped down from his role on the FA National Game Board, freeing up some time to spend with his family, playing more golf and enjoying local football.
Geoff Lee receiving his 40 Year Long Service Award from Mike Spinks, ESFA Chairman
Cornwall FA President, Nigel Hannaford Presented Geoff with the Award, here is what he had to say;
"It was a real pleasure to award Geoff his 50 year badge from The FA. Cornwall have gained his services both at county level and as the representative to The FA. He has been instrumental in the development of football in the county at all age groups and across all genders."
Geoff himself said this about his award;
"It has been an honour to have been involved in football for 50 years, 45 of which have been served in Cornwall as a player, County team manger Cornwall Schools FA and most recently as a council member, Chairman and FA Representative since 2005."
Congratulations Geoff from all at Cornwall FA!