**Since the publication of this artice Phil Harries has passed peacefully away and our thoughts go out to his wife June, sons Stephen & Adrian, plus the rest of the family. After discussion with officials of Clarbeston Road AFC it has been agreed we leave it on line at the moment as a tribute to a real gentleman of local sport.**
 
Clarbeston Road Football Club is rightly proud to announce that their president, Mr Phil Harries of Walton East, was recently awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Football Association of Wales Community Awards Dinner.
 
The Award Dinner was held at the Cardiff City Stadium prior to the Wales v Andorra European Qualifying Round match and although Phil was unable to attend due to his illness he was represented by his sons Steven and Adrian.
 
After having a wonderful dinner the Award was presented by Craig Bellamy. A brief video containing a pre-recorded interview with Phil, plus committee members Steve Brown and Huw Bevan, was shown during the award ceremony.
 

Bale says ‘Well done Phil’

 
At the end of the broadcast Gareth Bale appeared and congratulated Phil on his fantastic achievement – and then to cap it all sons Steven and Adrian were presented on the pitch at half time with a framed Welsh football shirt with ‘Phil Harries’  printed on the front.
 
It was indeed a memorable and proud day for the Harries family and for Clarbeston Road AFC too.
 

Very long association

 
Phil first joined Clarbeston Road AFC as a player at the time of the club's formation in 1960 and he has since had a loyal association with the Club during which time he has undertaken virtually every task associated with running a football club.
 
His involvement has been part of a real family affair, with wife June, Club Secretary, son Adrian a former player, and now grandsons Ben and Harry featuring in junior teams.


In 1998, as incoming chairman, he successfully led the development of the club to provide new senior and junior pitches and changing rooms by 2002. This facilitated the provision of mini and junior football for all age groups from 7 to 16, together with two senior teams.
 

Wonderful record

 
In total, football is provided to around 160 mini and junior players and to 50 seniors. The club also hosts and coaches the Cleddau Warriors, the disability football club for Pembrokeshire. Under Phil's leadership, the Clarbeston Road Football Club was awarded Welsh Club of the Year in both 2003 and 2008.
 
As an aside to the above, Phil will most probably be known in Pembrokeshire League circles as the ‘Clarbie Linesman’. A quote from a former player was, "The best linesman I've argued with".


Before retiring, Phil was well known in the Milford and Neyland area as the "Egg Man" as he delivered eggs to local businesses and to houses in the area, and football players and supporters around the county would congratulate Phil on his deserved recognition.