Honour for Crediton United AFC Secretary Mary

THE Secretary of Crediton United AFC has been honoured for her long service to football by Devon FA.

Mary Avery’s involvement with Crediton United began when her son, Steven, began playing for the club’s U11 team in 1995.

Whilst Steven left the club to experience adult football elsewhere, Mary, and late-husband Graham, remained with Crediton United both pursuing different roles within the Club committee.

She took over the role of Club Secretary in approximately 1998 and has been ‘in-post’ ever since – fulfilling her duties in an impeccable manner. She is now a ‘Life-Member’ of the Club.

She sits on the Devon & Exeter League Management Committee and was honoured with a surprise award at Devon FA’s Football Family Awards on July 17.

Her nomination by Crediton United AFC said: “Mary and her vigilant application to her secretarial duties has long been held in high regard by all those with whom she communicates – but she has a reputation that goes far beyond those secretarial skills.

“Visiting club and league officials often make the pilgrimage to Lord’s Meadow to experience Mary’s skills as a baker of cakes as much as to watch a football match.

“Crediton’s half-time refreshments are renown for Mary’s home baked cakes, and many have missed early second-half goals whilst still munching on one of Mary’s home-made sponges.

“As if being Secretary is not sufficient, her deep passion for re-cycling takes her to the ground after match days separating tins from glass, and cardboard from plastic – making sure that absolutely nothing goes to waste that doesn’t need to.

“Mary is one of those people who go about their tasks quietly and efficiently ensuring things happen for people around them – but never seeking the lime-light.”