Paddy Murphy and Paul Roofe
Paddy Murphy and Paul Roofe
Paddy Murphy and Paul Roofe of Blofield United have been awarded with FA 50 Year Awards.
On Saturday 18 March 2023, Norfolk FA Chairman, Michael Banham presented the duo of Blofield United stalwarts, Paddy Murphy and Paul Roofe, with their FA 50 Year Service Awards to grassroots football.
Patrick Murphy has been involved with various iterations of Blofield United since he was a 14 year old boy, when he started playing for Brundall Minors. In his playing days he also laced his boots for a variety of clubs; Lingwood Caverners, Acle Rangers and Gorleston. He became Blofield United First Team Manager in 1987 and during his 22 years as manager he led the team to win five Sterry Cups and two Mummery Cups. His proudest moment is probably going unbeaten throughout the season 2004/05. There’s always a big smile on his face when the last unbeaten record goes each season.
A story that is often retold by friends is that he was due to get married on the 9th March but upon checking the fixture list, asked the future Mrs Murphy if the nuptials could be brought forward a week (which she agreed to)! Mr Blofield continues to support his Club to the current day despite his diagnosis of MND in recent years. A real grassroots hero.
The other recipient of The FA’s 50 Years’ Service Award is Paul Roofe, who is a long-time friend of Paddys. Paul has been involved in grassroots football in Norfolk for half a century and in that time, he is most widely known for his work with the Anglian Combination League. Paul has served for a combined total of over 25 years as a Management Committee Member with the Anglian Combination League, a role that he first started in 1977 and did so until 1988. He then re-joined the Committee of the same League in 2008 and retired from his duties in 2022. In that time, with his club knowledge, he helped the League in many ways; attending meetings, helping administer the league, assisting with presentations to teams, helping at cup finals and other events.
Paul is still an active Club member at Blofield United and is thoroughly deserving of The FA’s 50 Years’ Service Award. Another grassroots hero that has allowed thousands of people to enjoy the beautiful game.
Norfolk FA Chairman, Michael Banham said: “To be able to present Paddy and Paul with their Awards on behalf of The FA was both an honour and a privilege. Between them they have served the grassroots game in Norfolk for over a century and in that time have enabled thousands of people to enjoy the game we all love.
“Grassroots football simply wouldn’t survive without the tireless efforts of volunteers like Paddy and Paul. On behalf of The Football Association, I would like to thank them both for their commitment and dedication.”