Clive Rutter

Clive Rutter - 50 Years of Service

Cornwall FA would like to thank and congratulate Clive Rutter on his tremendous commitment and contribution to Cornish football.

A surprise visit for Clive Rutter at Saltash celebrated his 50 years of service. 

Cornwall FA were delighted to visit Clive Rutter to present him with the FA 50 Years Long Service Award. Geoff Lee (Cornwall FA Chairman) and Daniel Greenough (Cornwall FA Football Development Manager) presented Clive with his long service award in front of family and friends which saw Clive receive a guard of honour from the players of the game he was about to officiate.

Cliver Rutter

Clive has always loved football, starting his football journey at school back in the 1960’s, before playing for Stonehouse Athletic and Old Suttonians after he finished school. Following this, Clive then played for Millbrook AFC until he was 38 years old, giving an impressive 20 years of service to the club.

After his lengthy spell at Millbrook AFC, Clive retired from playing and decided to volunteer at his son’s team at Saltash United Juniors. During this period, Clive was persuaded by his now long term friend and fellow referee Ray Prosser to give refereeing a go and 35 years later Clive is still refereeing now aged 75.

Clive added, “I have always loved football and once I retired from playing, I was persuaded to give refereeing a go. I really enjoy watching the youngsters showing and developing their skills. It’s good to see the new talented boys and girls coming through the leagues.

Over the years of firstly playing, then refereeing, also watching my son and grandsons play I have had so much pleasure and good times. My son, grandsons and I all love football. I have been lucky to be married to someone who also likes football and has been an avid spectator”. 

Clive also noted that without the support of his peers, in particular Brian Rimes (Devon Junior and Minor Referees Appointment Secretary) he probably wouldn’t have refereed for so long.

Clive said, “I have never felt of football as being a service. It has kept me fit and gave me a sense of being involved in a sport I love.”

Cornwall FA would like to thank and congratulate Clive Rutter on his tremendous commitment and contribution to Cornish football.