Staffordshire Football Association are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of our friend and colleague Michael Sanders, who has passed away following his battle with long-term illness.

Pictured [From left to right]: Ian Sumnall and Mike Sanders are awarded with the Staffordshire FA League of the Year award for the 2020/21 season

Mike was awarded Honorary Membership of the Association in 2022, following 22 years’ service representing his beloved Coors Sunday Football League on the Staffordshire FA Council. Passionate about the grassroots game, Mike gave so much to football in the Potteries and the County as a whole, he was a true servant of the game that had a positive impact on so many people’s lives.

He was involved in grassroots football for over 50 years as a player, Club Secretary, and since joining the Committee of the Coors Sunday Football League, held every role going culminating in being League Chairman, Referee Appointments Secretary, and the FA Council Representative.

Mike was recently recognised by The Football Association for 50 years’ service to the game, and it was fitting that Mike was on stage at the recent Celebrating Staffordshire Football awards evening at St. George’s Park, as the Coors Sunday Football League was recognised as the Staffordshire FA League of the Year for the 2023/24 Season.

Away from football Mike also had a huge passion for cricket, and took great pride in the fact that he is the only person to have refereed the Staffordshire FA Senior Cup Final, and umpired the Staffordshire Cricket Senior Cup Final.

Mike will be sadly missed by many, and the thoughts of everyone at Staffordshire Football Association go out to his family, friends, and colleagues at the Coors Sunday Football League at this difficult time.