Colin receives special award from the FA

We are delighted that our Youth Secretary, Colin Waller, has been recognised for his services to football.

Colin, who has been involved with the club since his teens, received a special award from Somerset FA at their annual presentation evening, held at Yeovil Town’s Huish Park ground.

It was in the early 1960s that Colin and some friends attended a meeting of the local youth league and were accepted to form a team which then became part of Wellington AFC.

Colin was joined in that youth side by the likes of Andy Buttle, Barry Knott and John Mullen, before moving into senior football and making his first team debut, under the then manager Jeff Brown, in the mid-60s.

He played regularly until he was about 45 and joined the club’s management committee, taking on various roles before the position of Youth Secretary was created.

“It’s all snowballed from there,” said Colin. “We now have nearly 30 sides and could have even more if we had enough pitches. More and more players are wanting to join the club.”

Chairman Mike Hall paid tribute to Colin, who is also the club’s Welfare Officer, saying: “He epitomises everything that’s good about Wellington AFC.

“Our youth set-up is the envy of clubs across Somerset and beyond, and that is due in no small way to the hard work and dedication of Colin Waller.

“Everyone is thrilled that he has been formally recognised for his efforts, both on behalf of the club and youth football in general.”

Colin – who received the award from Josh Staunton, Yeovil Town’s first team captain, and Martin Hellier, Yeovil Town’s owner – said afterwards: “It’s nice to be recognised.”

Somerset FA said that the nine ‘Services to Football’ awards presented on the night recognised long-standing contribution to the game and were given to volunteers who have made an exceptional difference through their roles.

Chief Executive Jon Pike added: “I would like to congratulate all the winners on their thoroughly deserved awards.

“One of the most pleasurable parts of working for Somerset FA is being able to recognise and reward volunteers in the grassroots game in the county.

“I am delighted that we have acknowledged their amazing efforts for football and congratulate them on their achievement.

“Every year the standard of our winners seems to get higher, which is a great testament to our grassroots volunteer workforce.

“Those volunteers, who give of their time and effort freely, are the greatest strength of the game in Somerset.

“We are truly fortunate to have such a dedicated and talented group, and that doesn’t just include those we have recognised, but ALL our volunteers across the county.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank every one of them for all they do.”