Wharfedale FA honours long-serving treasurer (From Ilkley Gazette)

Wharfedale FA honours long-serving treasurer

9:19am Thursday 26th July 2012 in Sport

The Wharfedale & District Football Association hon- oured its long-serving official Wilf Chatwin at their annual meeting.

Chatwin, who has been the association’s president since 2004, was given a special award for his 40 years in the post of treasurer.

After a playing career that was interrupted by national service with the RAF, he took up refereeing following a serious injury and worked his way up the ranks to become a Football League linesman in 1970.

In 1972 he was appointed financial secretary to the Wharfedale and District FA, relinquishing the role of secretary but retaining the position of treasurer in 1975.

If that was not enough he volunteered to act as District FA Delegate to the Craven Aire-Wharfe Junior League where he regularly attends meetings each month in Keighley.

The respect he commands was further demonstrated in 2004 when he was appointed District FA president, a role he still maintains. In 2008 he was further honoured by the FA with the presentation of a medal commemorating 50 years' service to football.

Wilf, who lives in Embsay, near Skipton, sill rarely misses a monthly meeting at Yeadon and is an ever-present at games organised by the District FA despite being in his eighties.

Invariably he can be found carrying out the unenviable task of persuading reluctant spectators to pay the required match entrance fee – the life-blood of the association.

Individuals such as Wilf are essential to this level of the game and it is hoped that his enthusiasm and good health will flourish for some years to come.