THURROCK FC chairman Tommy South admitted he was choked up to receive a 50 year service award by the Football Association earlier this month.

South was honoured before Fleet’s first pre-season game against Dagenham & Redbridge after years of service to the club and further afield.

The Thurrock chairman was nominated for the award by his girlfriend Karen and seconded by Alec Berry, of the Essex County FA, and, at 69 years old, is believed to be one of the youngest recipients of the accolade.

And South said it was a proud day.

“I am very proud and very thankful,” he said. “They don’t give them out easy. I was nominated by my girlfriend Karen but I didn’t find out about it until the day.

“I was getting changed and thought I would wear shorts as it was pre-season but Karen said put a suit on so I did. Alex Berry was there and he went missing before kick-off and the players lined up and he was there and I was invited on.

“I would like to thank Dagenham and their manager John Still for being part of the day.”

South, who also picked up a 40 year award to services to Essex football earlier this week, started playing in 1962 for St Andrews Old Boys aged 16, before going onto play for The British Flag, becoming their Secretary in 1970 - a position he held for 12 years.

In 1982 he joined Rainham Working Men’s Club, as secretary for two years before starting his own team, Essex Sports Football Club, in 1984.

This Club would elevate Tommy’s passion for football, from the local parks to the Conference South, renaming itself in 1985 to Purfleet FC, and then Thurrock FC in 2003.

Having managed the club, he is now chairman having taken a keen interest in the youth academy, watching first-team games on Saturdays and youth team matches on Sundays.

When not watching football, he is tending the Ship Lane pitch or painting the woodwork.

A club spokesperson said: “Tommy has given his whole life to football, forsaking everything else for the pure dedication and passion he holds for it. Football is his life and what he has achieved has been remarkable from his humble beginnings in Canning Town to his much enjoyed life as Chairman and owner of Thurrock FC.

“Congratulations Tommy from everyone at the club.”