Manchester FA is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our great friend Alan Darby.

Alan's friends at the South Manchester Girls Football League shared the news with us today; 

In typical fashion Alan kept his battle with cancer to himself, his family and his closest friends.

Alan’s involvement in grassroots football spans more than 40 years. He was one of the founders of the South Manchester Girls Football League in 2003 having previously being instrumental in setting up and running the Tameside Junior Football League, introducing a girls section for the first time.

Alan was the proud recipient of the MFA Grassroots Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 and his influence on grassroots football cannot be underestimated.

He will be hugely missed by all that knew him, and we send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Manchester FA will share details of his funeral when known.