Aldershot DFA 20 Year Award – Steve Cottingham

ADFA Long Service Award- Steve Cottingham

Steve Cottingham commenced his involvement with local football in 1973/74 as a teenager as Registration Secretary for the Aldershot and District Saturday League. He was also Club Secretary for Park Athletic in the Farnborough and District Sunday League for 10 years.

In 1994 he became involved with newly formed Aldershot Town FC, who were then playing in the Isthmian League. For seven years he served a variety of roles including Voluntary Assistant to the Secretary, Youth and Reserve Secretary through to Ground Safety Officer. He was also the voluntary North East Operational Planning Administrator working with the policing operation at Aldershot Town when they were in the Football League between 2008 and 2011.

In 2002 he served at Farnborough Town FC as Ground Safety Officer and Assistant Kit Manager.  Over the years Steve has extended his involvement within local football. He was Club and General Secretary at University of Surrey FC between 2009 and 2016 where he also remained involved assisting after stepping down as Secretary.

In more recent years in addition to serving the Guildford and Woking Alliance League’s Steve has also had roles at Fleet Town, Frimley Green and Ash United. He also spent six years (2012-18) as a County Member of the Surrey FA.

In the citation nominating Steve for the award it included the following paragraph from his time at Aldershot Town FC, “I  cannot speak highly enough of his commitment, attention to detail and overall endeavour to serve the club in such a pragmatic and excellent way devoting countless hours well above the call of duty”.

Steve received his award from ADFA Vice Chair Graham Brookland, who was also Secretary at Aldershot Town FC during Steve’s initial time at the club (1994-2001).

Congratulations on your award Steve.