Neston Nomads chairman receives FA honour for 50 years in game

Neston Nomads FC Chairman Bruce Munnerley received a letter from FA Chairman Greg Clarke, a medallion and a lapel pin badge for over 50 years involvement in grassroots football.

Bruce started as a player moving between various local clubs and at the end of his playing days, he hung up his goalkeeper’s gloves and joined the Neston Nomads FC committee.

Like many grassroots volunteers he turned his hand to many different tasks – coach, manager, secretary and then Club Chairman.

The FA medal presented to Bruce Munnerley for 50 years of service to grassroots football

Seniors Secretary Peter Leay said: “Bruce is an extremely popular man both within the club and the wider football community. He is an excellent example of a long-term grassroots volunteer and fully deserves to be recognised by the FA.

"He has built the club up from one team to where we are now with 29 junior teams and four adult teams. We are now also a Charter Standard Community Club, since 2015.

"Bruce has represented Neston Nomads on the West Cheshire League Council since he started the club in 1983. He has forged important links in the local community and is a great believer in including the local community wherever possible.

"In the last two years he has negotiated together with our Club Secretary, Keith Penny, a 3G Football pitch in the heart of Neston. This included meeting with CCFA, local council, and Neston High School as well as environmentalists – all of which were successful.

Bruce with his medal and the Neston Nomads committee

"Whenever he must make difficult decisions, he doesn’t shirk his responsibility and meets any problems head-on to reach an amicable solution."

President Frank Heseltine presented the trophies to Bruce before a recent West Cheshire Division 3 Fixture between Neston Nomads Reserves and Marshalls Reserves.

Members of the West Cheshire League committee attended and the principal officers of Neston Nomads.