How do we honour those who have changed our lives? And how can we preserve their memory when theirs begins to fade?
On 3rd September 2020 Derek Millen, co-founder of Selsdon Junior FC, passed away from Alzheimer’s disease. A year later, on 5th September 2021, a charity match and auction were held that saw around 90 people celebrate his life and career.
Battling Alzheimer’s before he passed away in 2020, Derek’s wonderful character remained with him until his final day. Keith Millen, his son, notes that even though “[it was] tough for the family… I felt he [Derek] still recognised me when he saw me”. But 45 years before his death, Derek, alongside Terry Fitzgerald, founded Selsdon Junior football club. And it is for his very “love of football” and “personal side” for which Keith said Derek should be remembered. Establishing an important source of grassroots football for many youths, the club grew exponentially. With numerous success stories, the club was never shy of young talent. Gareth Southgate-current England Senior men’s team manager-is perhaps the most notable graduate, along with former professional players Peter Garland and Charlie Hartfield, and Keith himself who went on to both play professional football and manage, making his way into the Brentford Hall of Fame. When asked what led to the success and impact Derek had, Keith cited “the way he looked after the kids”, adding “he would do anything for [them], pick them up, drop them home. He had that care factor to his management… he cared about the person [as] an individual”. With his wonderful character being so fondly remembered, the charity match and auction were fitting. Indeed, Selsdon Junior FC posted their own simple--yet poignant--tribute to the man who changed--and whose work continues to change--so many lives: “RIP Derek, thank you for our club.”
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