Tribute: Trefor Lloyd Hughes MBE

Welsh football has lost a true stalwart. Ynys Môn has lost one of its finest sons.

Former Football Association of Wales president, Trefor Lloyd Hughes, passed away yesterday (Thursday, 13 November) after a period of illness, aged 77.

Trefor began his long association with Welsh football aged just 15 by selling tickets door-to-door to raise money for his local club, Bodedern FC.

His experience and leadership as a player, volunteer and secretary made him a key figure in North Wales football while also working as an ambulance paramedic.

He was elected to the FAW council in 1989, serving as treasurer and senior vice-president before being elected president in 2012 until he stepped down due to ill-health in 2019.

Also a highly respected councillor, Trefor was elected on to the Isle of Anglesey County Council in 1995 and then again in 2008. He represented the Ynys Gybi ward until his passing. During this time, he also served as the Chairman of the County Council and Chairman of the Anglesey Charitable Trust.

Trefor was a huge advocate of grassroots football and spent time as secretary of the Anglesey League, Welsh Alliance and North Wales Coast Football Association. He later became the North Wales Coast FA Area Association representative on the Football Association of Wales (FAW) council.

Elected FAW president in 2012, he also spent six years as an official UEFA international football delegate – a role which took him to football stadia around the world – before stepping down in 2019. He was also awarded an OBE in 2016 for his services to football.

Also in 2016, Wales achieved their greatest football achievement in reaching the semi-finals of the Uefa European Championships – this was also the major highlight of Trefor’s term as president.

A retired ambulance driver, Trefor also represented the Maeshyfryd ward on Holyhead Town Council and had previously served as the town’s Mayor. He also served as a member of the Anglesey Borough Council in the early 1990s.

Paying tribute to Trefor, North Wales Coast FA councillor and accomplished football manager and former referee Christopher O’Neil said: “Calling all football clubs, players, supporters and football chiefs.

“It is with great sadness that I share the news that Mr Trefor Lloyd Hughes MBE, who was patron of the NWCFA and former President of the FAW, has passed away.

“Anyone involved in football will know for years and years – probably longer than I’ve lived – this man devoted so much time to football here in North Wales.

“I therefore ask you all as a mark of respect before the commencement of your next match please stand together and applaud the life of Mr Trefor Lloyd Hughes MBE and his passion, dedication and work in football here by giving a one minute applause before the commencement of your next match.

“May Mr Trefor Lloyd Hughes rest in peace for ever and ever.

“North Wales Football has certainly lost one if not its finest footballing stalwart.”

The FAW said the following: “Trefor will be remembered for his warmth, humility and unwavering love for the game. His influence on Welsh football is lasting, from grassroots leagues to the national stage, and he leaves behind a legacy built on service and a lifelong dedication to the communities he cared so deeply about.

“The thoughts of everyone at the Football Association of Wales are with Trefor’s family, friends and all who knew him during this difficult time.

“Mae pawb yn CBDC yn anfon eu cydymdeimlad dwysaf at deulu a ffrindiau Trefor Lloyd Hughes.”