Rowland Ward, well known in local football circles, has received The Football Association's award for 50 years service to football. The award was presented to Rowland by West Riding County FA Chairman and FA Representative, Barry Chaplin.

Rowland started out as a player for Cawood in 1963/4, he then qualified as a referee in1967 and continued to referee until 2013. During his time he officiated in the Yorkshire League, Northern Counties East, Selby League, Castleford Sunday League, Charles Rice Junior League and Barkston Ash District FA cup competitions. In 1970 he became Secretary of the Selby Minor League and in 1974 he joined the Selby and District League committee, which he served until the league folded in 2017 due to lack of teams.
Rowland joined the Barkston Ash District FA committee in 1981 and is still an active committee member.

Rowland has always been a keen supporter of the Referees Association, being a member of the Selby and District RA before the name change to Barkston Ash RA which he also served. In 2001 he became treasurer of the West Riding County FA Referee Association, a position he still holds.

A true servant to football, and fully deserving of The FA's award.