For the first time in decades, Warrington (Soup) Zuill was not on hand to watch the national football team play at the National Sports Centre on Thursday night.

Indeed it was a rare occasion when one of the Island?s leading sports historians wasn?t present to record another historical or memorable moment in local football for the archives.

Instead, Zuill found himself the centre of attention during a special presentation held at the Leopards Club honouring the long-time football and cricket historian for many years of dedicated services ensuring local statistics are kept up to scratch.

Over the years, Zuill has assisted sports media, authors and the general public in locating historical facts or photos related to sporting spectacles such as the annual Cup Match.

?It was a very proud moment for me and also for my family members that were present,? said Zuill. ?The ceremony was very well attended, very successful and I really enjoyed it.?

Zuill is himself a former all-rounder having played cricket for Shepherd?s Lodge in the former Somers Isle Cricket League (SICL) First Division and football with St.George?s Colts Club in the former Bermuda Football League (BFL) B Division in the late 1940s and early 50s.

The local historian was also a member of the committee which helped form rules and regulations for the Bermuda Football Association (BFA) FA Challenge Cup in 1953 along with the likes of the late Sir John Plowman and Joe Faries.

Zuill is also a past vice-president at Devonshire Colts and maintains close ties with the First Division club to this present day.

Also on hand at the Leopards Club where Zuill was presented with a commemorative plaque by officials from the Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs was Sports Minister Dale Butler.

?It was an outstanding success. Mr.Zuill spoke for an hour and was well supported by the Leopards Club,? the Minister stated.