Accolade for youth football stalwart

Dave Alabaster has been recognised for his work in youth football with a Life Membership to Northland Football Club.

Northern Football Federation's Dave Alabaster received a Life Membership to Northland Football Club at the youth team prizegiving on Friday.

Alabaster began working for the NFF when the organisation was called United Soccer 1 in 2010 as a football development officer, although he has been involved in Northland football in multiple roles, working with pupils at schools in the region through to spells as head coach of the regional team.

New Zealand U20s coach Darren Bazeley said Alabaster has had a profound impact on Northland football.

"Dave has massively and positively helped affect football up in Northland," he said.

The Northland Youth development programme is a testament to Dave's dedication to the game. This award is a small thank you to Dave for the countless hours of his time ensuring its success."

FC chairman Mike Davies

"I have seen vast improvements in standards and levels of both Northland players and teams over the last few years, culminating with Northland FC now taking over the Talent Development side in the region.

"All of this would have been impossible without the leadership, continuous drive and support from Dave. He is a true legend of the game."

NFC chairman Mike Davies said Alabaster's work in the youth game is a big part of his legacy in Northland football.

"The Northland Youth development programme is a testament to Dave's dedication to the game," he said.

"This award is a small thank you to Dave for the countless hours of his time ensuring its success.

"We are excited by the challenge of continuing the fine work Dave has done before us and maintaining the standards he has set for elite football development in Northland."

Alabaster joins Chas Flower (NFC Chairman 2004-2016) as the second life member of NFC.