Badge honours departed

Newly-appointed life member of the Central Football Association Ken Crafar got involved in the sport almost by default.

The Wanganui round ball stalwart began as a coach for the now defunct Kiwi St School team in 1972 and readily admits he knew nothing about the game because most of his younger years had been spent on the rugby field or in the athletics track and field arena.

"I put my hand up when the then teacher/coach changed schools. I wanted my kids to play, so took the job on. I knew absolutely nothing about the game, so it was a steep learning curve," Crafar said yesterday.

"I was encouraged by the late Alan Tinnion to join the Athletic Football Club and began playing to better understand the game.

"I also started coaching the girls when women's football was in its infancy and youth and junior sides."

Crafar later joined the Athletic club's committee and eventually spent six years at the helm as president and another six as chief of the Wanganui Football Association. It was during a time when the club was driven to succeed and moves were made to put the club on the national stage.

"There was a real resurgence in the game and Athletic was among the first to begin importing international players. It was during this time Athletic was driven to succeed and put itself on the New Zealand stage, so we became part of the Central Football Association which administered the game for clubs from Napier right down to Wellington and the top of the South Island."

Crafar had already been appointed life member of the Wanganui association nearly two decades ago when he received a letter from the Central body recently.

"I believe there can only be a certain amount of life members who are still alive, so I guess through the deaths of others it was my turn."

Crafar modestly attributes this latest accolade to the many other players, coaches and administrators he has worked with over the years.

"I'd like to think my life membership honours all those I've worked with in football circles over the years. In particular Alan Tinnion (Athletic), Alan Leggett (Wanganui referees), Roly Taylor (Marist), Derek Hooper (Wanganui City and John Visser (WFA), all who have sadly passed away. I owe them a big debt of gratitude and so does Wanganui football - this recognition honours them."