Cumberland FA has paid tribute to a respected member Jim McGrath, who has died.
Jim, 76, was described as a devoted servant to grassroots football and an esteemed member of the County FA and the grassroots football community.
Jim joined the county FA in the late 1980s, bringing with him a passion for the game and a commitment to its development.
He was a committee member with Westfield Welfare when they competed in the Workington & District Sunday League, starting under Alan Penn, the league’s secretary.
A county FA spokesman said: “Throughout his time with the county FA, Jim played a vital role across several key areas.
“He served diligently on the referees committee, the Under 18s committee and the disciplinary committee, always advocating for fairness, development, and the integrity of the game.
“His contributions extended beyond formal roles as between the mid-1990s and 2003, Jim was a daily presence in the county office, offering his time, experience, and unwavering support to ensure the smooth running of operations.
“Jim’s contribution to football in Cumberland was both wide-reaching and deeply felt.
“His warmth, reliability, and commitment left a lasting impression on all who engaged with him.
“The thoughts of everyone at Cumberland FA are with Jim’s friends and family.
“We hope that the knowledge that his legacy will live on within the football community he helped shape and support for so many years, offers some comfort at this difficult time.”
