Hellenic League Chairman Bob Dalling in his Trophy presentation at the Reserve Challenge Cup Final at Kidlington on Wednesday 5th May commented on the FA Film Crew that was present on the night conducting interviews with many people as part of the ongoing FA 'Respect' program. Bob advised; "The FA acknowledged the manner in which the Hellenic League has worked with the FA to support the 'Respect' Program and it was pleasing for General Manager Brian King to receive a telephone call the previous evening advising that the Hellenic League has won the FA National League System Leagues award for Competitions at Steps 5 to 7".

A DVD is being produced following interviews and filming of all nominated Competitions and Clubs but more of that when information is available. This information could not be released into the public domain as the Football Association had issued an embargo that the awards should not become public knowledge until the presentations were made by HRH Prince William at Wembley prior to the 2010 FA Cup Final.

Hellenic League General Manager Brian King and his wife Angela, the League Administration Secretary attended the ceremony  at Wembley today and received the award from the President of the Football Association HRH Prince William on behalf of the Hellenic League.

The FA award was discussed by the HL board last Monday evening and League Officers are considering various options and innovative ideas to utilise the FA prize money that will certainly be aligned towards the 'Respect Program'. 

In the two seasons that the FA Respect program has operated in the Hellenic League there has been an 15% drop in Sending Off offences, down from 280 to 245 and those for Offensive, Insulting or Abusive Language down from 78 to 55 (41%) over the past two seasons.

There has also been a significant drop in Caution Offences for ‘Dissent’ down from 645 to 595 (8.5%) over the same period, although, overall ‘Yellow Cards’ issued have increased by 29 (1%). There has been an increase with issued cautions for ‘Unsporting Conduct’, an indication that Match Official’s are greater protection to skilful players.

'RESPECT WORKS in the HELLENIC LEAGUE'
It was very pleasing to receive an e-mail in the League Office last week from James Mandry captain of Hungerford Town Reserves who having won the Reserve Division One Championship became Reserve Challenge Cup Runners Up on Wednesday 5th May.

Brian
After last nights match, I felt compelled to write to you to give some player feedback on the match between Hungerford and Highworth Town. I am the captain of the Hungerford team and am confident I speak on behalf of the players and the club.
Firstly, I would like to congratulate you and your team on the news the Hellenic league have won the award within the Respect campaign. Obviously the dedication and hard work you put in is reflected in this.

I also wanted to say it was an enjoyable match which was passionate and was enjoyable to play in. My main reason for contacting you was to complement the league on the organisation of the event but also to make it clear that the officials on the day were absolutely outstanding. Finals are always going to be competitive; Match Referee Gary Saunders controlled it superbly giving a lot of respect to the players which was greatly appreciated. I felt he handled all matters superbly and enabled the game to flow openly which was to the benefit of both teams and the game. I also want to personally pick out Assistant Referee Craig Boyles, who at a young age is a credit to the game and an excellent role model to young aspiring referees. I am a senior PE teacher in a secondary school and have taught PE for 9 years so it was refreshing to see a young official given the responsibility and doing an excellent job. Craig was obviously selected because of good performances throughout the season and I hope he feels proud of himself and after already securing promotions at such a young age I am sure he will continue to progress up the refereeing ladder.

I hope that this message can be relayed to your team and also to all four officials on the day and as you can see footballers can be gracious in defeat! Congratulations to Highworth in their win and I am already looking forward to football in the Hellenic league next season.

Yours sincerely
James Mandry
Hungerford Town Captain

Hellenic General Manager Brian King commented; "From a personal view I consider the Reserve Challenge Cup Final was one of the best I have had the privilege to watch. It was competitive throughout with little to cause complaint. Everyone played their part and for a competitive cup final the behaviour of both club's management was impeccable. I look forward to more matches of this type. The 'Respect' message is getting there and long may it continue in the Hellenic League.

Many thanks,