A MAN who devoted his time to football and the development of equal sporting opportunities in the West Midlands has died, aged 59.

Throughout his life, Ralph Farmer's inspirational attitude towards equality and sporting opportunities enabled both able bodied and disabled people to take part in sport.

Being a founder member of FC Phoenix, Ralph’s contribution to football in the community was recognised by the club becoming the first FA Charter Standard Club in the region

They also won numerous awards, as well as initiating girl’s football in Hereford.

Ralph also encouraged others into coaching to further develop prospects for football in Herefordshire.

His kind hearted nature and organisational skills allowed him to assist with the running of the Sue Parry six-a-side tournament to raise money for St Michael's Hospice.

Sue Parry's mum, Sandra Parry, paid tribute to the role Ralph played.

“Ralph was unique, a one off," she said.

"If it hadn’t been for Ralph, the football tournament would never have started.

"He organised the event by arranging everything, those early days raised a lot of money for our hospice and still continues today after 16 years.

"Ralph was always inspirational, kind and generous with his time."

With deterioration in his own mobility in his later years, Ralph’s focus moved towards disability football.

He set up the FC Phoenix Disability Development Centre, which was awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Work.

His boost in sports provision for disabled people wasn’t restricted to the county; his knowledge of the sport also led to large involvement in the development of the West Midlands Ability Counts League in Birmingham, allowing over 500 disabled children and adults within the region to play competitively on a regular basis.

As well as football, Ralph devoted numerous years to swimming and water polo; beginning as a lifeguard and quickly progressing as a swimming instructor.

He became a national water polo referee and coach of Hereford’s Water Polo team.

Ralph also coached the water polo team of the Army Apprentices College in Chepstow, leading them to victory on numerous occasions at the Army Junior Championships during the 1990’s.

Ralph leaves behind a wife, three children and a grandchild.

His funeral will be held at Hereford Crematorium at 1.30pm next Wednesday (October 26).

Ralph's family are encouraging people to wear colourful attire where possible and flowers are allowed.

Any donations towards a memorial bench can be sent to Shayne Hogg Funeral Services.

Ralph's family would also like to thank Hereford County Hospital for the care he received.