DICKIE Borthwick was among a host of unsung heroes whose achievements were recognised at the Dorset FA’s presentation ceremony.

The evergreen 75-year-old, who still laces up his boots for Wyke Veterans, received the prestigious Services to Football in Dorset award from DCFA board of directors’ chairman Peter Hough.

It is thought that Borthwick, who was born in the same year as 1966 World Cup winners Jack Charlton and Ray Wilson, is the oldest regular player in the country. Although he never reached the rarefied heights of Messrs Charlton and Wilson, he has more than made up for it in terms of his longevity.

Dubbed the oldest winger in town, Borthwick has already clocked up 63 years in total after starting his career in Scotland before moving south to Weymouth at the age of 16.

Borthwick, who has never once been red-carded, said: “I have lost a bit of speed but my thoughts are quick and that really counts.

“I intend to keep on playing; my legs and knees are still good and sturdy. I have only had one serious injury and that was my collarbone, so I am good for a few more years yet.”

Besides playing, Borthwick, who idolised footballing legend Sir Bobby Charlton, supports his beloved Weymouth and even helps out as kit man when required.

Also at the ceremony, Dorchester Town Youth chairman Dave Read was given the Charter Standard Volunteer of the Year gong.

Read has been an integral part of the Magpies’ youth scene since 1998 and was instrumental in restructuring the set-up, centralising the decision-making processes and expanding the club from 12 to 32 teams.

He has held a variety of roles, including treasurer and coach, and also organises the annual three-day tournament in Dorchester without remuneration.

Meanwhile, 14-year-old Jordan Allen collected the Charter Standard Young Volunteer of the Year award for forgoing his valuable time to help run Southside Angels Girls FC.

Allen is keen to develop his own skills and is not only present at training sessions, but also attends matches, supporting from the sidelines. With schoolwork and playing football himself, his is a big commitment – and he is also interested in undertaking a referee’s course as well as his coaching badges in the future.

Another winner on a celebratory evening was Weymouth’s Dean Hetherington, who scooped the Mike North Trophy for Young Referee of the Year.

Hetherington, whose award was donated by the widow of the late Mike North, has been a Dorset registered referee since the age of 14 and has progressed through the ranks to become a Level Five official.

He has refereed in the Magna Dorset Premier League and as an assistant in the Western League, as well as disability football where he has built up a fine rapport with the players.

Netherbury FC, who ply their trade in the first division of the Perry Street League, captured the accolade for Outstanding Local Club.

Netherbury were founded after World War II and the colour of their shirts – amber – was a reflection of one of the most successful professional teams of that era, Wolves.

They marked their 60th anniversary in 2008 and have achieved considerable success in the PSL, crowned league champions on seven occasions and securing much silverware, including the Dorset Junior Cup.

One reason Netherbury were singled out was for the spirit that exists at the club. On two occasions visiting personnel have written to the DCFA to praise them for their hospitality.

Dorchester Under-16s’ Will Gould and Weymouth Ladies Under-18s’ Emma Acott were named Players’ Player of the Year for their respective age groups.

Also recognised were Jim Mahoney (under-10), Harvey Wright (under-12), Ben Tiller (under-14), Paul McCarron (under-15) and Nathan Saxby (under-18).

And finally, the Magna Dorset Premier League picked up the Charter Standard League of the Year award – only the third league at step seven on the national football pyramid to do so.

The DPL signed up to the FA’s Respect campaign this season and is very active in improving standards across its member clubs.