Lincolnshire FA would like to congratulate Hazel and David Burgess, who have been recognised for Services to Junior Football in Peterborough and have been awarded the Order of the British Empire Medal in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

David, 77, and Hazel, 83, who have been married for the last 54 years, have a combined total of over 70 years of service to local football and currently serve as Chairman and General Secretary of the Peterborough and District Junior Alliance League respectively.

David has spent the last 40 years involved in the league, first starting out as Crowland Juniors manager - the team his son Martyn played for - before going onto hold roles as Referees Secretary, and Fixture Secretary before becoming Chairman of the league 17 years ago. Hazel has also spent the last 30 years in the game.

The league was founded in 1981 by President, Tony Nash, with just 18 teams, three years later David came on board and the league has since grown to include 500 teams across 21 divisions; ranging from under 7s up to under 14s.

The pair are supported by a 12-strong committee as well as a number of other treasuries and secretaries.

In a message on the Peterborough District Junior Alliance League Facebook page, the couple said: "Both David and myself would like to say a huge thank to the people who nominated us both & supported the submission, who we we have known from David and Martyn's past playing days and also some people from the present days, we are both very humbled, honoured, and thrilled.

This is what sport is all about enjoyment,  friendship, meeting people you have met over the years with their grandchildren, plus looking back at the players and referees who started with the Junior Alliance and have worked their way to the top we are so proud of you. Once again, thank you all!"

Speaking to the Peterborough Telegraph, David said: "I’m very proud and honoured. We’ve got two computers in the house, I’ve got one and Hazel is on the other and between us we do all the fixtures, emails and all that goes along with it, it’s a busy job!

It’s changed so much, it used to be all paper team sheets, postal indexes but everything is on email now, although it’s easier for the teams and clubs, it makes our life harder to co-ordinate everything to make it run smoothly! We like doing it though and we’re happy to see the kids enjoying their football.

We’re looking forward to having a get together with family and friends and sharing a glass of wine.”

The couple will receive their awards in a special ceremony from the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire and have been invited to the Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

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