RHAYADER Town Football Club will pay homage to beloved former chairman Gareth Earp this weekend with a summer 6-a-side tournament being held in his memory.

The tournament will be played on Saturday, June 29, poignantly on the one-year anniversary of Gareth’s death.

A big turnout of Mid Wales teams is expected at Rhayader’s Weirglodd home, with the tournament being organised by local resident Lee Harley and Gareth’s widow, Tamsin.

Gareth, a Dyfed Powys Police officer, died at the scene of a two-vehicle road traffic collision on the A470 between Rhayader and Llangurig on June 29 last year as he was returning home from work. He was 43.

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The father-of-three, known affectionately as ‘Earpy’, was a hugely popular figure in his home town community, well known for his involvement with both senior and junior football throughout Powys. He was a youth football coach and official, having played previously for both Rhayader Town and St Harmon, and at the time of his death he was chairman of Rhayader Town.

The club paid a unique tribute to him in the aftermath of his death, mowing giant ‘GE’ initials into the club’s pitch days after.

The club also opened ‘Earpy’s Bar’ as part of a clubhouse renovation last August.

“As a lot of you are aware Rhayader Football Club stalwart and all round top man Earpy was tragically taken from us on the 29th of June last year,” said Tamsin.

“To mark this event it is the wish of the family to hold a football competition on the 29th of June this year down the club.

“This will be a 6-a-side competition with a trophy for the winner. There will be a barbecue, auction, live entertainment and refreshments available.

“Let's celebrate Earpy the right way and have a cracking day full of fun.”

The club paid a unique tribute to him in the aftermath of his death, mowing giant ‘GE’ initials into the club’s pitch days after.The club paid a unique tribute to him in the aftermath of his death, mowing giant ‘GE’ initials into the club’s pitch days after. (Image: None)

Teams will be registering on the day from 11.30am, with the draw made at 11.45am and the tournament kicking off at midday. It will be a knockout competition, with games consisting of two haves and eight minutes each way.

Any teams knocked out in the first round will be drawn to play in a consolation competition.

“We will have a barbecue on go most of the day, the hatch will also be open for tea and coffee and the bar will also be open from 12pm for those that prefer something a little stronger,” said Lee.

“There will be face painting provided by Hayley Walker, music by Thomas Jones, an auction by Andrew Mills and live entertainment by Paul Dark at approximately 7pm.

“Let's celebrate Earpy the right way and have a cracking day remembering our friend. I look forward to seeing you all.”

To find out more or if you’re interested in entering a team, get hold of Lee Harley or contact the Rhayader Town Facebook page.