THE mid Wales football community is mourning the passing of one of its most popular figures.
Kevin Jenkins, popularly known as Bones, died over the weekend with Penrhyncoch Football Club's home fixture against JD Cymru North leaders Colwyn Bay postponed as a mark of respect for the Cae Baker club legend.
Mr Jenkins served the Roosters in a host of roles over the decades and was current chairman.
News of his passing was marked with a flood of social media tributes from those who had known him - many former and past football players who had benefited from his coaching in Aberystwyth Town's junior set-up.
Aberystwyth Town dedicated their win over Wrexham to Kevin Jenkins. Picture by Beverley Hemmings.
A statement from Aberystwyth Town Football Club read: "Bones was a popular and well respected member of the football community in both Aberystwyth, the county of Ceredigion and Wales as a whole.
"As a youngster, he was part of the Aberystwyth Town Youth Setup. As well as this, he coached many youth grade teams as well as the Women's teams for a number of years.
"More importantly, he was a fantastic man who was well loved by all who knew him. A great father to Leigh and Amy, both of whom have strong connections to our football club."
Penparcau Football Club also issued a statement following the news.
"Our football club is devastated on hearing the news that Kev Jenkins, more affectionately known as bones has passed away.
"Kev was originally from Penparcau and started playing with his Arky friends for Penybont United in the Sunday league.
We are so so sorry to hear this. What a wonderful football person who gave the game, club & community so, so much. He will be hugely missed and our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone at the club. May he Rest In Peace.
— Noel Mooney (@NoelMooney13) January 14, 2023
"He helped the club to get some grants and was always helpful and always gave great advice but is heart was always with Penrhyncoch Football Club and was an inspiration to so many players.
"So many players owe him so much, and will be sadly missed by so many, as well as the entire footballing community in Central Wales. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.
"RIP Mr. Penrhyncoch."
I am well a truly heartbroken, but reading everyone's posts & messages I can see how much he meant to you all too! He's a legend and the best thing about it, that legend is my dad !! I love you dad and I'm gonna miss you like crazy ❤️❤️ #roosterforlife https://t.co/iXRgOJKscD
— Leigh Jenkins (@leroyjenks1991) January 14, 2023
Aberystwyth Town women dedicated their Genero Adran Trophy quarter-final victory over Wrexham to the man all knew as Bones and rather poignantly his daughter, Amy, was among the scorers in a 2-0 win at Park Avenue.
More than £1,000 was raised in memory of Kevin 'Bones' Jenkins which will be donated to the Hywel Dda Charity.
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