"This has been a very difficult and emotional decision but, after almost 20 years in junior football and with our own youth section in very good shape, it feels like the time is right to hand over the reins," Mark said.

"Whilst reflecting on my past 11 years, I will take enormous pride in what has been achieved by everyone involved throughout the club and together we've really put our youth section on the map."

He added: "My own personal ethos was to oversee the development of players and provide them with an opportunity to put themselves in the limelight and many have progressed through our age groups and continue to play for local and professional league teams, which has been wonderful to see."

During his tenure, Mark has been the spearhead of numerous initiatives to strengthen the organisation and attracted a variety of grants and sponsorships to help with funding.
Following his involvement in establishing the 'City in the Community' initiative and the Worcester Regional Talent Centre to work with schools and engage locally to attract new players, Mark was also a driving force behind the creation of one of the first national girls soccer centers. With the dedicated support of coach Steve Birmingham, the 'Wildcats' sessions have been attracting 30-plus players to Worcester University every Sunday in recent years and provided the foundation for City's now thriving female section. It now includes a women's first team and sides at Under 23, Under 17 and Under 12 level with a new Under 10s team taking to the field when football resumes.

Mark played a pivotal role in Worcester City Youth becoming a Charter Standard Development Club in 2017. 2 years later, Mark then managed the smooth integration of Worcester Colts FC under the City umbrella, which added seven youth teams and introduced new Under 7s, 8s and U9s to the existing structure.

Forging stronger links between the youth section and City's first team, Mark has worked closely with the club's board and this included attending monthly board meetings to promote the younger teams and share updates. Mark was also recently invited to take part in the formation of a 'One Club' working group to cement these ties.

"There are so many happy memories of my time as Chairman," Mark recalled. "A highlight and an enormous privilege was being amongst the 150 guests honored for their service to grassroots football and invited to meet Prince William at Buckingham Palace at a special event to mark the Football Association's 150th anniversary."

He concluded: "As a club, so much has been achieved over the years with the hard work of our youth committee, the dedication of our managers and coaches and support received from players and parents. I have been fortunate to meet some great people through the football family and forged friendships that will now last a lifetime."

“Special thanks must go to my wingman Andy Jones and Nigel Upson for supporting me through my time in building our Youth setup. To Nichola Trigg, Martin Collier and the team at the Worcestershire Football association for all their guidance over many years and finally, to the City Council for all the support to provide our fantastic youth pitches and facilities at Perdiswell”

Until a new appointment has been made, Nigel Upson, Head of Youth Development, will take on the post of Interim Chairman.

"Mark's passion, commitment, professionalism and ability is unparalleled and the Club's youth section would not be where we are without the leadership and drive that he has shown," said Nigel.

"Nothing we can write in a tribute to him will be enough to say how much we will miss Mark as a Chairman and also as a friend we have worked alongside for many years. As a volunteer, no-one could have contributed more hours and expertise than Mark and he has inspired us all to represent the Club in the right way and to wear the badge with pride," he added. "Mark is fully deserving of the gratitude and best wishes that he has been receiving from coaches, parents and players and thanks should also go to his wife, Nicky, who has been a great supporter of us and shared her husband's commitment. Mark leaves a tremendous legacy that he can be proud of."

Finally, Football Club Chairman Steve Goode added “Mark has made his ‘mark’ by contributing a significant amount of time over the years voluntarily to the benefit of Worcester City FC’s future generations. Mark, along with his colleagues on the youth committee, have laid solid foundations for us to continue to grow our youth football setup on, a true legacy to his tenacity for youth football. We are exceptionally grateful for his graft over the years, we wish him and his family the very best for the future and look forward to welcoming him to Claines Lane for a game soon.”