DESPITE the tragic loss of their chairman a matter of weeks ago, Rhayader Town Football Club goes into the new season determined to prove that his legacy will live on.

Excitement is intensifying throughout Powys as the football league returns this weekend, but the death of 43-year-old Gareth Earp, a policeman, in a car crash a little over a month ago, has hit home that football is only a game.

However, ahead of the 2023/24 season’s kick-off, the Red Kites are embracing the spirit of the game, ensuring that Gareth’s memory soars.

The town and club have come together in recent weeks and transformed the aura surrounding it in previous years, including refurbishing the Red Kites’ clubhouse.

It is a vision that Gareth had been instrumental in creating, even in the days leading up to his death.

The Weirglodd’s dilapidated old clubhouse has been totally re-clad, had new PVC windows and doors installed, as well as new flooring and a new kitchen.

It is now fit for purpose and will be available to hire for local parties and events. Beer will now be available on tap, while the heart-warming final touch has been the re-naming of the bar to honour their former chairman – Earpy’s Bar.

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“It all started with a conversation between old players, known as the Stockley Park Crew, and chairman Gareth some months ago,” said Rhys Thomas, the Rhayader mayor and a former player, who is stepping into Gareth’s shoes and taking on the role of chairman this season.

“Stockley Park is a group of 10 to 15 ex-local players but the volunteers have been parents of juniors, tradespeople, players and people within the community, as well as the committee.

County Times: Father-of-three Gareth, an inspector with Dyfed-Powys Police, was driving home when his Volkswagen Golf collided with a Range Rover on the A470 between Llangurig and Rhayader on Thursday, June 29 Father-of-three Gareth, an inspector with Dyfed-Powys Police, was driving home when his Volkswagen Golf collided with a Range Rover on the A470 between Llangurig and Rhayader on Thursday, June 29 (Image: None)

“We need the club to get back to grassroots, local and be a clubhouse that people want to stay in. “Gareth was totally for the idea, it was what he wanted and it would need an investment from the club to make it happen. The new committee agreed a budget and the plan was put in place.

“Unfortunately, only two weeks after, Gareth tragically passed away, but as a club we knew what he would want us to do.

“So, we have pressed on, and with fantastic support from local businesses, the community and volunteers the club has been re-clad, had new PVC windows, doors, flooring, kitchen, been re-pained and the icing on the cake is the creation of Earpy’s Bar.

“We now have beer on tap in an attempt to serve the best to our supporters and have the building available for local parties and events.”

County Times: The club paid tribute to Gareth Earp following his death by mowing his initials 'GE' into the pitch at the Weirglodd The club paid tribute to Gareth Earp following his death by mowing his initials 'GE' into the pitch at the Weirglodd (Image: None)

The club sent out an appeal following Gareth’s death, posting a wishlist on Amazon for items needed at the clubhouse.  

The response has been phenomenal, with local businesses only to happy to pitch in, while the local community has raised more than £5,000.

Rhys added: “We set up an Amazon page to enable us to list all items we required to be able to run the club successfully, where people could see the list and hopefully pop into local shops and buy the products as we were conscious times are hard for local businesses to donate too much.

“An opportunity for people to kit out the club locally was the aim and it has been very successful.”

The new clubhouse will be officially opened this Saturday, August 5, ahead of the first team kicking-off the new MMP Central Wales League season against visiting Penparcau (2.30pm KO).

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“The reserves will then play a friendly against St Harmon at 6pm, Gareth’s two clubs,” said Rhys. “Everybody is welcome to enjoy a day of celebration for Rhayader Town FC as Earpy was hoping for.

“I’ve taken on the role of chairman this season. They are massive boots to fill but Gareth is still chairman in our hearts.”

Father-of-three Gareth, an inspector with Dyfed Powys Police, was driving home when his Volkswagen Golf collided with a Range Rover on the A470 between Llangurig and Rhayader on Thursday, June 29. His funeral was held at Rhayader’s St Clement’s Church on Friday, July 21.