The Les Riggs Memorial Award Launches

Margate FC were saddened to learn of the passing of former Manager Les Riggs back in January.

Les managed The Gate in the early 70s and was in charge when Margate famously hosted Spurs in the FA Cup in front of some 12 to 14 thousand people. After retiring, Les sponsored a Cup Competition for Thanet Primary Schools that is still running today.

Due to Covid restrictions, the club was only able to get together in person to remember Les at Hartsdown Park on the Bank Holiday weekend. Les’ family were invited to our game against Cray Wanderers and his wife Georgina presented with a framed photo of Les by our Security Officer Peter Cove.

Les’ family were on hand to witness a special victory at HDP. Reflecting on the experience, Les’ son Marc said:

“My dad was always very keen to see the local sporting community working together to the benefit of all and he would have been heartened to have seen all that you are doing at Margate FC.”

“The club always had a special place in my dad’s heart and he would want me to wish you all the very best for the present season and the years to come.”

With the support of Les’ family and to honour his memory during our historic 125th season, the club is launching The Les Riggs Memorial Award. Each month, a person will be recognised for their special and significant contribution to the football club.

Whether on the pitch, or off it, these individuals will encompass all the football club stands for.

It is with great delight, the club celebrated our first winner, Sarah Higgs, Communications Officer of Margate Youth FC. Sarah was presented with her award by Margate FC Director, Steve Albon.

Sarah looks after the youth set-up’s website, social media channels and feeds into the club’s communications to make sure people in the local community are aware of opportunities for young people to enjoy their football at HDP.

Sarah does much, much more than this. She has helped ensure every team in the youth club has a kit to match that of the First Team, engaging with new sponsors and supporting the growth in the number of teams at HDP. Sarah arranges opportunities for players to be a part of match days on a Saturday and works with the club to arrange First Team Player appearances. That and so, so much more. Sarah is a very fitting first recipient of The Les Riggs Memorial Award.

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