FOOTBALL throughout the South West is mourning the death of Ken Hulbert, who passed away shortly before 2pm on Wednesday, November 12 at the age of 88, writes Simon Parkinson.

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 and his many achievements.

Mr Hulbert held senior positions within the county football association, having for many years been an officer and treasurer with the Gloucestershire Youth Football Association. He was a former president and life vice-president of the GFA and acted as treasurer too of the South West Counties Alliance for many years.

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.”

Details of Mr Hulbert’s funeral will be announced in due course.