The Gloucestershire FA (GFA) was saddened to hear of the recent passing of Derek Lugg at the age of 87. We remember a life of dedication to the beautiful game in our County.

Derek was Life Vice President of the GFA and was the longest-serving member of the Gloucestershire Football Association council. He first got involved almost sixty years ago, attending league meetings from 1964 before joining the GFA council in 1967.

Soon after moving to Fishponds in Bristol in 1957, Derek started playing football on the Netham. He then started a job with Associated Electrical Industries (AEI) in Bristol and there, along with colleagues, he co-founded the AEI football team. His commitment to the club even saw him bring home the kit to do the laundry.

His commitment to the game saw Derek take on almost every role available within grassroots football. He became Secretary, then Chair and finally President of the Bristol Regional Sunday League. After an ankle injury put an end to his playing days, Derek became a league referee, a role he held for a number of years.

Derek was very passionate about football and was an avid fan of West Ham United after growing up in London. Having been a regular visitor to the old Wembley Stadium with his children over the years, both for cup finals and England internationals, one of the last trips Derek made as an active council member was to see the new Wembley Stadium just after it was completed.

The Gloucestershire FA would like to express our gratitude to Derek for his passion and commitment to the local game throughout the years. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.