HORMEAD Hares FC officials had a special pre-season away fixture – at Buckingham Palace. The Crow League club received the Queen s Award for Voluntary Service. Founder-member David Winkworth and Peter Worby, together with their wives, met the Queen, on Tu

HORMEAD Hares FC officials had a special pre-season away fixture - at Buckingham Palace.

The Crow League club received the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

Founder-member David Winkworth and Peter Worby, together with their wives, met the Queen, on Tuesday last week.

However, the award was formally presented by Sir Simon Bowes-Lyon, the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, at their home ground the following day.

Also there were representatives from both the parish and the district councils. Mark Ives, the FA's county development officer, also presented the club with a special pennant signed by Sir Trevor Brooking, the FA's director of football development.

The club will also receive a large number of footballs.

More than 7,000 organisations were nominated for the awards, with 104 proving successful.

"We're extremely proud to have received the award," said Winkworth.

"It's not just about the football but also what we do for the community, both now and for the future.

"The club have exceeded all our wildest dreams, from starting off six years ago with just 10 children having a kickabout to registering 19 teams this season and having around 250 children on our books.

"It's fantastic and shows just how committed we are to our players and ensuring the club remains focused with our aims and ethics."

On the strength of the award and council backing, the club are looking to develop their ground further, after securing a further nine acres last year, with a larger pavilion and an all-weather training surface.

The club will also be doubling its number of girls' teams to four, as well as moving into senior football for season 2007/08.

Hares have also been invited to help develop the FA's school/clubs link programme in the area throughout October and November.

Winkworth said Hares would continue to expand, with many of their players looking to move to a higher level of football.

He said: "With an unprecedented number of players now training at Premiership, Championship and Conference teams, the club are also developing strong links with these clubs to ensure we offer the greatest chance for success in the footballing world."

- Hares are looking for players for their under-14, under-15 and under-16 boys' teams and for under-14/15 girls' sides. Further details from Dave Winkworth on 07961 590154.