Tributes have been paid to a local football stalwart who devoted decades of his life to youth football who died recently aged 89.
Pete Smart was a founder member of the Mid-Wilts Youth League and spent 22 years with Warminster Town Football Club’s under 16s and 16 years with Westbury Youth Football Club before retiring at the age of 78.
In recognition of his work with youth football, he was made a life member of the Mid Wilts Youth League and Honorary Life President of Westbury Youth Football Club.
“His greatest honour came in 2013 when he was invited to Buckingham Palace and presented with a medal by Prince William in recognition of his exceptional service to grassroots football,” said his son, Dave. “The ceremony was part of the FA’s 150th anniversary and Pete joined just 150 others who devoted their lives to grassroots football.”
Pete also won a prestigious Points of Light award, introduced in 2014 by the then Prime Minister David Cameron to recognise outstanding volunteers in their community.
His other accolades included Outstanding Contribution to Community Football in the FA Community Awards 2013, Highly commended in the FA Groundsman of the Year award 2004 and a Civic Award in recognition of his service to the community of Westbury in 2004.
“As well as painting over 5,000 miles of lines for football pitches, enough to stretch from Westbury to Beijing, Pete ended up training the grandchildren of the people he coached decades earlier,” said Dave.
He held every role in youth football over the years: referee, league committee member, manager and groundsman.
Luke Hames, Chairman of Westbury Youth Football Club, said, “Everyone at Westbury Youth Football Club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Peter Smart, who devoted over 16 years of his life to the club and was proudly made Honorary Life President in recognition of his outstanding service.
“Peter played a huge part in shaping the foundations of Westbury Youth FC. His passion, commitment, and care for young players helped build the values that still define our club today.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to Peter’s family and to all who knew him.
“Peter will always be remembered as an important part of our story and a true servant to grassroots football in Westbury.
“We will look to arrange a fitting tribute to honour his legacy over the coming months.”
After school Pete joined the Royal Navy, serving mainly on submarines around the world. He met his wife Heather (now deceased) in Weymouth, and they married in 1957. After leaving the navy in 1960, they settled in Dilton Marsh and had two sons, David and Robert. Pete spent the rest of his career working on the railways.
“Outside of football he was never happier than when he was working in the garden, tinkering in one of his sheds or doing DIY,” said Dave.
Pete moved into Watersmead care home in Westbury in 2023 due to ill health, where he was popular with residents and staff, always happy to give advice on gardening or football and share a whisky or two with fellow residents.
