"Sadly, on 9 April 2010, after a relatively short illness. Clive passed away at Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny, aged 68.

Clive is survived by his widow Pat, son Andrew, daughter, Paula, together with their children.

Clive Nicholls was born on 13 October 1941 at Llwynpia Hospital, Pontypridd.

Clive married Pat his wife, a local girl on 20 July 1963 at St Michael's Church Beddau.

Being in the army, Clive and Pat travelled to many places together and enjoyed 'Army life'.

Clive Nicholls was still 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 played 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.

Away from football, after leaving the army in the 1980s, Clive was employed by Powys County Council.

He thoroughly enjoyed working first as a school caretaker, which eventually included travelling throughout the county whhere he was popular with children and teachers alike, nothing was ever too much trouble to Clive.

He simply loved helping folk. This was further evident from his Trade Union activities. Yes, Clive Nicholls was most definitely a man of the people.

Further promotion at work followed and when Clive retired in October 2006 he held the post of Mobile Care Assistant Supervisor.

After his retirement Clive was invited to join Brecon Lions and was a proud member of this worthy organization.

Indeed at the time of his death Clive was Vice President. Speaking on behalf of Brecon Lions at the Church Service Mr. Tony Bell referred to Clive's many outstanding qualities.

Mr. Brian Prosser initially representing the South Powys Junior Football League had done the same, before sharing his memories of Clive supporting the Felinfach and District Show, Brecon Darts and Quoits the list could go on and on.

I am sure there are many others who could have spoken on the day and hopefully due to this website many more will share their fond memories.

Finally, in his address Brian referred to those Welsh Footballing Legends who attended, the McDonalds Awards including Ian Rush. quite rightly Brian reminded those present about our own footballing legend his name Clive Nicholls.

Clive's funeral took place at St, David's Church, Llanfaes, Brecon, on Monday, 19th April, 2010,followed by Cremation at Llwyd Coed, Aberdare. The Service was conducted by Rev. Tim Williams, the Funeral Directors were Messrs. Douglas Prosser and Son.

Article by Phil Pashley