BRECON & Radnor Express football writer Paul Worts has been awarded a 40-year service medal by the Football Association of Wales.
Worts was given the award last season and belatedly received the medal at last week’s Mid Wales League (South) annual meeting from FAW member and current Central Wales FA Chairman Will Lloyd Williams MBE.
Paul began his career in football administration as Secretary of Hunded House FC in 1977. When that club folded in 1988, he was persuaded to join Vale of Arrow FC where he served on the committee and as secretary until 2000.
He also managed the successful Vale side for a decade.
He took over as secretary of the Mid Wales League (South) in the 1994-95 season – a post he still holds and has served on the Central Wales FA for more than 20 years, being made a life member two years ago.
In 2010, Paul took voluntary redundancy from his job with Powys County Council and immediately took on more football duties. He became referee appointment secretary for the Spar Mid Wales League which he continues to do.
He was appointed fixture secretary for the Welsh Beef & Lamb Mid Wales Under 19 League which he did for six seasons.
Paul was also CWFA competition secretary from 2012 to 2016.
Will Lloyd Williams said he was delighted to make the presentation to someone who has done so much for local football and was a much deserving recipient.
Asked about how long he would go on, Worts, who has been landlord of his local public house and restaurant, The Hundred House Inn since 2012, said: “This season will be my 25th as secretary of the Mid Wales League (South) but perhaps the new restructuring of the leagues in Welsh football in two seasons time might be the time to call it a day.”