A local legend who founded the Watford Sunday Football League and chaired the Hertfordshire Football Association (FA) has died at the age of 97.
Eric Hand passed away at Watford General Hospital on Tuesday, November 12.
Despite the outbreak of the Second World War limiting Eric’s own football career, he developed a lifelong passion for the game. He was the driving force behind the establishment of the Watford Sunday League in 1955, which transformed grassroots football in Watford and beyond.
A spokesperson for Hertfordshire FA said: “Through his passion for increasing opportunities to play and his commitment to modernising the structures that underpin the game, Eric played a significant role in shaping the football landscape that exists in the county today. His contribution to the grassroots game in Hertfordshire shall never be forgotten.”
Karl Lingham, CEO of Hertfordshire FA, said: “There are very few who could match Eric in terms of their impact on the game in Hertfordshire. His legacy continues to be felt to this day.”
Eric’s funeral took place on Monday, December 2.
Photo credit: Hertfordshire FA
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