Grassroots football leading light Roger Wood dies at 71
Tributes have been paid to one of the region's leading lights in grassroots football, who has died at the age of 71.
Roger Wood, former chairman of the Birmingham County Football Association, died in the early hours of July 1 after suffering a heart attack.
He had been chairman for 22 years and a member for more than 50. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Gill.
The association's chief executive Mike Pennick said today: "Roger has been the heartbeat of this County FA for 22 years and a constant source of support and guidance for us all.
"He truly will be missed by everyone involved in football."
Mr Wood first joined the County FA in 1963 as a 21-year-old. He was a representative of the local Festival League and over 50 years worked his way through the ranks, serving on almost every association committee in that time. He was also an Football Associaion council member.
Mr Pennick said he was a real advocate of grassroots football and always looking for ways to push the game forward.
He added: "He has put in a lot of hours into grassroots football with refereeing and the football development side.
"In his early days he was a goalkeeper in the local leagues."
Mr Pennick said Mr Wood, who lived in Sycamore Road, Great Barr, was a Birmingham City fan and added; "But generally, being involved in the association for that length of time he would have followed all of our local sides development.
"His main thing was grassroots football, especially Sunday football which he brought through from day one."
He added: "I think most people connected with the body would know him.
"He put endless hours of unpaid hours in to the association.
"The number of people affected by his death is phenomenal, it didn't matter if you knew him for 30 years or 30 minutes, he made an impact. He treated everybody with respect.
"His passing has left such a void in my life and the association's life.
"He is going to be very, very hard to replace."
Mr Wood had worked as a quality supervisor and had worked for Dunlop in the past.
His funeral will take place on July 18 at 2.15pm at Perry Barr Crematorium, in Walsall Road, Perry Barr.
The service will be followed by reception afterwards at the Conservative Pub, in Newton Road, Great Barr.
Floral tributes can be sent to the Co-operative Funeral Directors at 606 Walsall Road, B42 1EZ.
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