CLUBS MOURN HANTS LEGEND WARD
TRIBUTES have been paid to former Hampshire FA chairman John Ward who has passed away this week.
Ward was chairman of the county association from 1997 to 2014 and represented them on the Football Association’s Council from 1998 until last year when he stood down at the mandatory retirement age of 75.
A Hampshire FA statement said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Hampshire FA Chairman John Ward. Our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family at this very difficult time. RIP Mr Ward, thank you for your outstanding contributions to the grassroots game.”
Hugely-respected throughout football, Ward dedicated much of his life to the game. As a schoolboy he organised friendlies against local village sides before becoming the Basingstoke Sunday League’s secretary when he was 19.
Ward was elected onto Hampshire FA’s council in 1972 to begin his long association with the organisation.
He served on the FA Leagues Committee and the FA Vase Committee and held roles as a director on the FA’s Main Board and National Game Board.
Ward also played a major role in the construction of both the new Wembley Stadium and St George’s Park.
Upon retirement from the FA Council last year, he told “I’ve met my 1966 World Cup heroes through football and I’ve got some wonderful memories.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do any of it without the support of my wife Freda and my family.”
Tributes have poured in from across the game.
Hampshire FA CEO Neil Cassar commented: “A truly outstanding contribution to local football over more than 60 years. A huge loss of the National Game.”