FOOTBALL throughout the South West is mourning the death of Ken Hulbert, who passed away on November 12 at the age of 88.

Mr Hulbert, from Minchinhampton, was elected to the council of the Gloucestershire Football Association (GFA) in 1961 and became its longest serving member.

He received an honour from the Football Association in recognition of his devotion to the grassroots game.

Among his many posts in the sport were president of the GFA, treasurer with the Gloucestershire Youth Football Association and the South West Counties Alliance, as well as being chairman of the Gloucestershire County Youth League from 1985 until earlier this year.

GFA deputy chairman Roy Schafer said: “Ken was a well-known figure, not just in Gloucestershire but within football in the South West as a whole.

“I knew him for some 30 years and he was absolutely dedicated to serving grassroots football, not least when it came to his youth activities. He was very precise and diligent in everything he did, something that really came across during his times as a treasurer.”

Schafer added: “Ken’s passing follows soon after that of his great friend George Hoskin, who served two decades as secretary of the former Gloucestershire Youth FA. They regularly travelled to meetings together and shared a passion for youth football.

“People will have special memories of Ken and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this sad time. His passing will be deeply felt by a great many people and he will not be forgotten.”