Guardian Rose: Referee honoured for 35 years of dedication to Langold Football Club

A former manager turned referee at Langold Juniors Football Club has been awarded a Guardian Rose for his ‘boundless’ dedication to the club over the last 35 years.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Nov 2015, 11:53 BST
Jan Hill has nominated William Parry for a Guardian Rose for all work he has done with Langold Football Club. William is pictured with Jan and Arron Hill, 23 months.Jan Hill has nominated William Parry for a Guardian Rose for all work he has done with Langold Football Club. William is pictured with Jan and Arron Hill, 23 months.
Jan Hill has nominated William Parry for a Guardian Rose for all work he has done with Langold Football Club. William is pictured with Jan and Arron Hill, 23 months.

William Parry, of Chestnut Drive, was presented with the accolade in a surprise ceremony at his home on Tuesday, November 10.

The 64-year-old was praised for his work at the football club, of which he has been manager, chairman, welfare officer and now referee.

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Daughter Jan Michelle, who contacted the Guardian to nominate William for the rose, said: “The club and football in general have been at th centre of my dad’s life.

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“He is such a friendly, caring person and great with the kids at the club. If they ever have a problem, they always go to him.

“I thought it would be lovely to show him how much his hard work has been appreciated.”

William, a retired bricklayer who lives with his wife Barbara, said: “I am in shock, I never expected to get an award.

“I still referee at the club and, to be honest, I find it a bit knackering- the kids are a lot faster than me! I love it though, and that’s what kept me there for so long.”