AMillicent police tradition dating back around 40 years has continued in 2023.

Back in the 1980s, a number of officers were aligned with the Millicent Football Club as either players or in support roles.

They decided to fund an annual trophy for a promising underage Saints footballer and it would be presented by a uniformed officer at the club’s yearly presentation function.

Although this original coterie of police has long moved on, the annual trophy has continued.

The 2023 recipient was Corey Carlson and it was presented by Senior Constable Tania Payne and Senior Constable Dave Leyden on behalf of Millicent police.

Corey played 14 games for the Saints Under 18 team last season, having begun his career a few years ago at Hatherleigh.

The presentation to Corey was made at the recent trophy night at McLaughlin Park.

Among the notable Millicent footballing police have been West Adelaide and State ruckman Tom Prowse who coached the club in the post-war years when they were still known as the Magpies.

Others have been Eugene Warrior Senior, Rick Grimes, John Frick, Bob Warland, Matt Bryant, Darren McKenzie and Paul Ashworth.

The current officer-in-charge of Millicent police is Senior Sergeant First Class Rick Errington and he also has an interest in football.

However, his preference for football is the “round ball variety” and not Aussie Rules.

Sgt Errington has filled a number of coaching roles with the Millicent United Soccer Club including senior men’s coach.