Nelson Cavaliers stalwart dies suddenly

It is with the deepest sympathy that we report the sudden death of Rod Powell, who suffered a fatal heart-attack at the age of just 60 and is the second Wales Veterans’ Football founder member to pass away in as many months.

Rod devoted almost 40 years to his local club, Nelson Cavaliers, and he leaves an enduring legacy. He was a player, manager, chairman, secretary and inspiration to those around him. He was a founder member of Wales Veterans Football, became an ad-hoc committee member in 2016 and was honoured with a life vice-presidency in 2019. He was a member of the SW Premier Leagues’ Management Board since 2021 and also served the wider Nelson community, becoming a councillor in 2018 and later chairman.

This is a sad day for everyone in the Wales Veterans FA and this exuberant, energetic and knowledgeable man, will be hugely missed both on and off the pitch across the football community...and beyond.

Our thoughts go out to all his family, friends & team mates.