It is with regret that we announce the death of Steve Simmonds, a stalwart of local football for 36 years.

Steve was involved in youth football in the Oxford area from 1983 and eventually took over as secretary of what is now the Oxford Mail Youth Football League until he stepped down in 2016. 

Steve enjoyed being involved and contributing to the growth of the league enabling more and more children to play organised football in the Oxfordshire area. 

Steve also served on the Oxfordshire FA Council from 2000 until 2017, and as a Director from 2001 until 2017. During those years he ran several County Youth Cup Competitions and sat on many discipline cases.

Oxfordshire FA CEO, Ian Mason, said: “Steve was an honest, committed, selfless and principled individual who was well respected and will be sorely missed by all those who knew him, and indirectly by those who played in youth football. It was very rare that Steve would not help out in any way he could. He always remained true to his principles and would speak out if he felt something might be wrong or wouldn’t benefit the football community. 

“In my time, I never knew anyone that Steve fell out with or would criticise. He was well liked by our staff members over the years and many were made welcome if they called in for a cup of tea and a cake, made by his wife Mary. Equally when he visited the offices, he never left anyone out and he always offered encouragement.”

Steve’s funeral will be on Wednesday 23 January at Oxford Crematorium at 11.am. Flowers are family only, but if you wish you can make a donation in his memory which will be split between Maggie’s Centre, Oxford and Urology Cancer Research and Education (UCARE ) via https://steve-simmonds.muchloved.com/

Please don’t wear black and ties are not required for men.

Pictured: Steve (right) collecting a Charter Standard League of the Year accolade from former Aston Villa manager, John Gregory.