Kilgetty Football Club have recently paid tribute to their loyal and popular football coach, Gerry Rigby. Gerry is hanging up his training boots after over 40 years of fantastic service to grass roots football.

Gerry has had a long association with Kilgetty Football Club. He first came to Kilgetty to help set up and coach a Ladies team, around 18 years ago, which then included Stacey John-Davis, who is now a professional player for Swansea City Ladies. Previously, Gerry had been the FAW Football Development Officer for Pembrokeshire and was responsible for greatly improving standards in coaching within Pembrokeshire.

Kilgetty AFC Chairman, Lukas Gamble, and many others undertook their Level 1 coaching qualification under the guidance of Gerry.

“Gerry has been a tremendous support to both me, and Kilgetty Football Club, over many years. Gerry was my first tutor in coach education back when he was the F.D.O. for Pembrokeshire. He inspired me and many others to take our first steps into coaching. I was delighted when he called to ask if we needed any help with the kids coaching again. He has been fantastic with this current young group of players. They’ve really benefited from his knowledge,” shared Lukas.

Years later, Gerry’s grandson joined one of the Kilgetty junior boy’s teams that was managed by Chris Griffiths. Gerry assisted Chris with coaching and running the team for several years. When Chris Griffiths became the 1st Team Manager, Gerry came back again to assist with coaching.

Gerry joined the club again around four years ago at a much-needed time when a new Under 8s team was formed.

“I was struggling to manage the new team on my own as numbers were growing, Gerry’s wealth of knowledge really helped bring the kids on over the years,” said Kilgetty AFC Under 12s Coach, Andy Broomhall.

“He has a kind heart and is an all-round lovely guy. We will be sad to see him leave but also happy for him to enjoy his coaching retirement,” he added.

Gerry is a popular coach who will be very much missed at Kilgetty AFC; all at the football club wish him well in his retirement.