Uncle Willy lived a fulfilling life

William Mould was a member of the soccer fraternity and is survived by his wife and children.

West Beach resident William John Mould, who passed away on March 14, aged 81, was an active member of the soccer fraternity for many years and was loved, admired and respected by all.

From a young age the former Milnerton and Bothasig resident, affectionately known to all as Willy and Uncle Willy, loved his sport, actively participating in soccer, hockey and boxing.

In 1966 he started playing social football on the Paddock and was introduced to the Liesbeeck Park Association Football Club (LPAFC) by Lesley Birkenshaw which saw him star in the third team on a regular basis.

He recognised the need for development and growth at LPAFC, and subsequently started the junior section fielding teams in the under-10 and under-12 leagues. The junior section grew rapidly under his guidance and attracted many young players from neighbouring suburbs.

Ever the guardian of the underdog, he gave opportunity and fair chance to all which saw LPAFC become a stepping stone for many aspiring young footballers to progress from the junior leagues to the senior ranks across the Western Cape.

Willy was a mentor, role model and hero to all, especially his protégés, taking them under his wing, giving guidance not only on the football field but also in their private lives and careers.

He also at a later stage became involved in the senior section and held many portfolios, progressing up the ranks to chairman and honorary life president, a position he still held after the amalgamations of LPAFC with Sanddrift Football Club, which later became Blouberg City and now operates under the Hellenic FC banner

He also served as a member of the Sports Association of the Railways and Harbours.

In 1977 he encouraged a group of promising young footballers to join LPAFC, successfully gaining promotion from the third division to the Cape Western League in three successive years.

Willy was blessed with a witty, quick, and at times, wicked sense of humour and would have his family and friends in fits of laughter sharing stories of his life experiences and his jokes were master class.

Willy was respected by all as he earned and deserved it, not because he demanded it.

Once he handed over the reins to the younger generation he still remained actively interested in the success of the club.

We are encouraged and enthused by his legacy and zest for life as he lived an inspiring and extremely happy and fulfilling life which kept him contagiously young at heart.

Willy is survived by Maureen, his wife of 59 years, sons Jeff, Graham, William and daughter Melody.

It will be hard to forget someone who gave us so many memories to cherish.

Billy Ackerman was a friend of Mr Mould’s and also served on the LPAFC Committee.