Cornwall FA were delighted to visit Nanpean Football Club over the weekend to present Mike Newcombe with his Outstanding Service to Cornish Football Award as part of the Grassroots Awards 2021. 

The outstanding service to Cornish football award aims to recognise and celebrate volunteers that have contributed to Cornish Football positively over a number of years.

This year’s winner Mike Newcombe first got involved in Cornish football in the early 70’s representing the Heavy Transport club in the Duchy league, including their Junior Cup victory during the 1984/85 season. Through this involvement Mike then joined the Duchy League Committee and progressed to league secretary in 1981. Mike has since carried out this role up until recent retirement and during this spell he also acted as club secretary for St Blazey in the late 80’s to mid 90’s. 

When asked why Mike has given up so much of his time over the years to contribute to Cornish Football he explained, “football has always been a passion of mine and although playing was not always my strength, I was quite interested in how the league was run. It was a pleasure to be heavily involved in providing football as both exercise and a social environment for players throughout East Cornwall and some of the border clubs in West Devon giving the youth of the day a pride in their local clubs.

I’ve enjoyed the organisation and seeing everything come together at the end of a season, with many of them made difficult by a rainy winter”. 

Although not inspired by winning individual awards, Mike was humbled to have been nominated by peers to win this award and added, “for me winning this award highlights my efforts and that of my fellow league officer who have helped organise the Duchy league over many years.”

Cornwall FA would like to congratulation Mike on winning the Outstanding Service to Cornish Football Award!