Long Lee Football Club are celebrating after Kath Rickaby won the West Riding County Amateur League Secretary of the Year Award at the recent AGM at Woodlesford.

The achievement was made more impressive as it was Kath’s and Long Lee’s first season in the competition.

There are over 50 secretaries in the league and the award is voted for by committee members to the individual that displays the highest degree of efficiency and competency throughout the season.

Kath said: “I didn’t know anything about the award and was absolutely gobsmacked when I found out at the meeting.

“I’ve been secretary at Long Lee for 13 years but this has been our first year in the County Amateur League, so I wasn’t expecting to walk out with a massive trophy!

“It’s lovely to get it but we don’t do these roles for awards, we do it for the players.

“I guess I’m the sort of person who if they’re going to do something, they want to do it right.”

Kath, whose son Lee plays for the club, added: “Someone told me I was only the second woman to win the award.”

As an FA Charter Standard Club, Long Lee joined the County Amateur League after winning the Craven League title in consecutive seasons.

They consolidated with a seventh-placed finish last season but the highlight saw them win the Division Two League Cup against champions Lepton Highlanders in a penalty shoot-out.

Long-serving Kath has been the main figurehead at Long Lee for years, as well as holding positions on both the Keybury League and Craven League committees.

Club chairman Charlie Wysocki is full of praise for her dedication.

He said: “Kath has been a credit to herself, the club and also the Keighley area as she works tirelessly behind the scenes.

“She has deservedly been recognised with this award.

“Players, parents and coaches are sometimes unaware of what it takes to run a club and the time that needs to be put in, especially as she is also in full-time employment.

“We are all proud that a club of our stature has won this award when up against bigger and more-established ones.

“Kath should be extremely proud for the reward she has received for what is a thankless task which people can take for granted.

“We are proud to have Kath as our secretary and look forward to continuing our success on and off the field.”