It truly is the end of an era at the Barrow & District Junior Football League after long-serving chairman Dennis Boyd announced he would stepping down from the role.

For the last 39 years, the league has been under the steady stewardship of Boyd, who as chairman had overseen many changes.

Amongst the league’s accomplishments, Boyd has been instrumental in the introduction of organised girls’ football, a growth in the number of referees, more teams and more clubs joining and the evolution of small sided games for mini soccer age groups.

Boyd is also well known for his role with Barrow Celtic Juniors Football Club, for whom he is one of the founding members.

Initially set up in the 1953/54 season, the club won the under-16s division of the Barrow and District Junior Football League at the first attempt.

After a short period away from the league in the mid-1960s, Celtic Juniors where brought back into the league in 1970/71 by Tom McPartland, where Boyd served as the club secretary – a role he held until 2017 when he became chairman.

Boyd said: “I’m really proud of the fact that the league has expanded, incredibly expanded in fact, and we now includes girls’ leagues.

"Also, I’ve seen the Barrow and District inter-league team win the County Cup at Leyland, which was a really proud moment.”

“The Bedrock of the league when I became chairman was the late [secretary] Dave Tyson and [treasurer]Peter Roberts and between the three of us, we provided stability, experience and a determination to follow the rules.

"I always felt the junior to Dave and Peter because they went to the Grammar School and I only went to Barrow Tech – and they didn’t let me forget it”

Reflecting on his time as league chairman, Boyd added: “It’s been tremendous. I haven’t given up though – I’m still going with Barrow Celtic Juniors.”

The league’s search for a new chairman is now underway with an appointment due be made at their August meeting.

League secretary Paul Knight extended thanks to the outgoing chairman. Commenting on Boyd’s time, Knight said “I have had the pleasure to be the secretary under Dennis both at Barrow Celtic Juniors and with the Junior Football League.

" His extensive knowledge and experience meant that he was always the person I would go to when in need of advice and would like to express my thanks for all the help and support he has provided me.

"Everyone from the league wishes him the best and knows that his presence will be missed.”