Chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber has paid tribute to Les Kempster, the president of the Sussex FA, who died on Wednesday aged 99.
Mr Kempster’s involvement in Sussex football began after the Second World War when he moved to Crawley and played for Three Bridges.
After a career in refereeing he trained the next generation of match officials as a referees’ assessor but his passion was youth football, and he had volunteered in various grassroots roles since 1964 before becoming Sussex FA president in 2012.
His invaluable contribution to youth football in Sussex was recognised when the boys’ under-13s County Cup was renamed in his honour the Les Kempster Challenge Trophy.
He was chairman and president of the Mid Sussex Youth League and his work in and around Sussex football was recognised in 2017 with an Outstanding Contribution to Community Football Award from the FA.
Barber said, “Everyone at Brighton & Hove Albion FC was saddened to learn of the passing of Sussex FA President Les Kempster at the age of 99.
"Les lived a long life over half of which was dedicated to serving football in Sussex. Les and his significant contribution to football in our county will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to his family and friends at this very sad time.”