THE local and wider football community has been saddened to hear of the death in hospital today, Monday, of Reg Allwood at the age of 83.

Horsforth man Reg gave his life to the sport he loved serving the West Riding County FA, Wharfedale FA and his beloved Horsforth St Margaret’s club with great distinction. Through his involvement with football he became known to thousands of people and was well loved by all. Reg made lasting friendships everywhere he went.

A well-known figure on the football scene throughout the county he gave many years service to his former club Horsforth St Margaret’s, as a player and official, before becoming an Executive Committee member of the Wharfedale and District FA in 1976.

He served 25 years as Wharfedale FA Secretary from 1985 to 2010 and as a Life Member was still actively involved in all aspects of its work.

He was appointed the Wharfedale FA representative to the West Riding County FA in 1986 and was made a Life Vice-President of the County FA in 2007 serving right up to the time of his death.

In addition Reg, who served the County and the District FA with great wisdom and affability was on the Board of Directors of the West Riding County FA (Company).

Reg had a massive enthusiasm for the game and a single man he dedicated his life to it. He was much respected throughout the county for his work.

He was a keen supporter of youth football lending great support to the County's youth teams in their games all over the country.

He put in many hours of work in his position as Wharfedale and District FA Secretary over a period of 25 years and showed the same enthusiasm and support to the County FA.

A former referee at one time he helped to organise courses for new referees as well as organising the Wharfedale and District FA competitions.

Reg was Horsforth born and bred and was educated at Horsforth National School and Horsforth Secondary Modern School. He then studied at Kitson College of Technology in Leeds.

In his working life he gave long service to Kirkstall Forge - GKN Axles where he finished up as Senior Electrical Foreman and Maintenance Superintendent, retiring in March 1997 after 33 years with the company.

Reg also very proudly served in the Royal Military Police and was a keen attendee at the annual re-unions of his regiment. A keen supporter of all local football Reg was a regular attendee at Guiseley AFC games home and away.