BRIEF HISTORY
The Sunderland & District Association is the main local governing body within the Sunderland area, the association was formed in 1925 and there were a total of nine clubs that were founder members
Barnes Park - Barnes West End - Boldon - Dawdon Rec - Mowbray - Pemberton - Roker Marine - Roker Park and Seaham Town. During the first season in 1926 clubs competed in only three leagues - Earl Cup ,Swan Cup and the Storey Bowl
The first winners of the Earl Cup were Mowbray, the Swan Cup went to Roker Park while the Storey Bowl went to Roker Marine. Over the years the number of clubs within the association has increased and currently there are 30 clubs, in 1949 the introduction of a over 65's veteran league called the Harold Howey was so popular that two divisions were created as clubs were allowed to enter more than one team. The league's popularity was such that a third division was added therefore promotion and relegation was introduced. All three leagues are still rolling along with the Earl Cup and Swan Cup split into two divisions while the Harold Howey still boasts three divisions, the Storey Bowl has remained as a single division.
The association also runs competitions, the SIlver Jack pairs and the Burkett Shield triples continue to attract a good entry
As with every association it has a dedicated list of officer's the 2011/12 association President is Barnes West Ends John Patterson (right)
The elected 2012 officials are as follows -:
Senior Vice President - W.Davis (Houghton Town)
Junior Vice President - A.Patterson (Grindon Mill)
Honourary Secretary - E.Weightman (Herrington Workmen's)
Assistant Secretary (Leagues) - J.Huntingdon (Roker Park)
Competition Secretary - GW.Charlton (Ryhope)
Honourary Treasurer - L.Swales (Whitburn)
Assistant Treasurer - D.Hutchinson (Washington Glebe)
Executive Council - J.Wilson (Herrington Workmens), N.Shields (Whitburn), R.Bell (Houghton DL), W.Kirton (Wearmouth), A.Ferguson (Silksworth).
Auditors - JS.Thompson (Sunderland), L.Young (Silksworth)
The 2012 tour will be heading north of the border to Ayrshire, anyone interested in going they can contact secretary Eric Weightman for more details.
A big thank you to league secretary Jim Huntingdon for the regular league updates during the season and to Billy Kirton for the photo's used within the various club records sections.