ASSOCIATION AGM 2010
Liam Walshe lifts the Carl Couzens Memorial Jug

Spontaneous applause followed the announcement that one of the League’s longest standing and most respected referees had been awarded the most revered of Association trophies, the Carl Couzens Memorial Jug.

So many turned up to the AGM at Colney Heath FC, that it was a case of standing room only for a sizeable number of the 80 members present, as Carl’s sister Nicola gracefully handed over the jug – a replica of the Open Golf Championship trophy – to a stunned Liam Walshe. He announced that he was retiring as a Level 4 official but would be continuing to referee on the Spartan South Midlands League and provide support and encouragement to a new generation of young officials who will be receiving appointments from Appointments Secretary Mick Ewen next season.

The Association committee felt Liam was an outstanding example of someone who had always put service before self. Away from the heavy demands of running his own business, Liam has supervised the referee academy in Middlesex and many of his recruits have emerged as first class officials on our League. Several, including Ben Furneaux, have just been promoted to Level 3 and Liam has always ensured new faces have received guidance, encouragement and support especially after experiencing difficult situations.

It has certainly been an action packed summer for Liam. Next evening, he was back at Colney Heath again, this time to take charge of the Spartan South Midlands Challenge Trophy Final between Broxbourne Borough and London Colney. It proved a real test of stamina as the match finished goalless after extra time and it took 19 penalties to decide the winner! Next month, Liam is due to marry his long standing fiancée, Kim.

Carl Couzens’ parents, Ian and Anita Couzens, stayed for the whole evening and were very moved by the whole experience. I have since received a letter from his dad in which he states “it is a very humbling experience knowing how much Carl was respected and is missed. There is not a day goes by when he is not in our thoughts and it’s wonderful that your Association wish to keep his memory alive with such a prestigious award and trophy.”  Carl died just a few weeks’ short of his 37^th birthday after succumbing to a chronic asthma attack.

The trophy for the Best New Referee went to James Keane from North London and was presented by his mentor Peter Panayiotou.

Mike Taylor took the cup for the best Assistant Referee based on assessor marks during the season. The runners-up - Jimmy Hey and Adrian Waters - received certificates.

The Bill Jones Award for outstanding work on behalf of the Association went to our Webmaster Jake Hillier.

Bill Hamilton

The minutes of the AGM can be viewed here. Scroll down for photos from the night.

Liam Walshe receives the Carl Couzens Memorial Jug from Carl's sister Nicola

James Keane receives his award from mentor Peter Panayiotou

Mike Taylor receives his award for the highest marked Assistant Referee from Assessor Coordinator Tony Weight

Adrian Waters receives a certificate for his efforts as an Assistant Referee from Tony Weight

Paul Swannell receives an award from Referees Secretary Mick Ewen in recognition of 37 years service to the league

Association Treasurer Bill Hamilton presents the Bill Jones award to Jake Hillier

Award winner Liam Walshe with Carl Couzens' sister Nicola and parents Ian and Anita

7 July 2010