"Clive Nicholls was a serving soldier when he moved to Brecon in the 1970s. Like many proud parents Clive enjoyed watching his son Andrew play for his school team. However, in those days there was no structured football in the area, other than the Brecon and District League's Senior and Under 16 Division.

Clive was one of a small band of enthusiastic people determined to change this and so after a number meetings at Brecon Youth centre the South Powys Junior Association Football League was formed in 1975.

In 2007, thirty two years on, Clive Nicholls still plays a prominent role in the running of the League which provides football for over three hundred boys and girls in South Powys.

Clive's early involvement saw him assisting the sportsmaster at Mount Street Junior School on a Wednesday afternoon. Encouraged by his superiors at Dering Lines, Clive's commitment increased and soon he began helping out at Saturday morning matches.

By 1977 Clive was looking in a forward direction as many of his former players were now attending Brecon High School. The Brecon Conservative Club had shown an interest in junior football and so in addition to helping Mount Street School Clive supported their under 13 team.

The same year Clive Nicholls qualified as a referee and was now licensed to officiate in matches at both senior and junior level. Weekends were never to be the same again in the Nicholls' household, with his wife Pat confined to the rank of 'Footballing Widow'.

In 1981 Mount Street Junior School withdrew from the South Powys League. The Conservative Club introduced two teams, the second being called 'Borthcote'. The bustling promenade was certainly the place to be on a weekend if you liked football.

Dozens of youngsters would turn up especially on a Saturday morning, all hoping to get a chance to play for one of the teams or else take part in training, if there was no organised game.

The sheer interest in junior football at the promenade prompted the Council to provide new changing facilities and this did even more to enhance the beautiful setting alongside the River Usk and beneath the Brecon Beacons.

In 1999 Clive Nicholls retired from refereeing senior matches. But the workload only lessened a little. Having served on a number of committees and held several posts within football Clive's energy and enthusiasm is seemingly endless.

His contribution to the game at grass roots level has been recognised on more than one occasion. The most recent example being at the McDonalds Welsh Footballing awards held at the Hilton Hotel, Cardiff.

The fourth awards dinner was attended by football legend Ian Rush, who is McDonald's head of Welsh Football. Also in attendance were former international colleagues Gary Speed, Dean Saunders and Barry Horne. Clive Nicholls was presented with the Fair Play Award."

Article by Phil Pashley