A Giant Falls: Wales Mourns Trefor Lloyd Hughes

The Final Whistle: A Life of Unwavering Service

The whole of Wales, and especially the community of Anglesey, is united in profound grief following the death of Trefor Lloyd Hughes MBE at the age of 77. Trefor, a former FAW President and a long-serving County Councillor for the Ynys Gybi ward, passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2025, after a period of illness. His passing marks the loss of a true “giant of a man” whose life was a masterclass in service, dedication, and passion. From his early days as a 15-year-old volunteer for Bodedern FC to his eventual role as an official UEFA International Football Delegate, Trefor Lloyd Hughes never stopped giving back. The immense sorrow is heightened by the knowledge that such a formidable pillar of Welsh life—a man whose influence spanned the grassroots pitch to the international stage—is gone forever.

From Grassroots to Global: A Legacy of Integrity

Trefor Lloyd Hughes’s career was a powerful blend of local commitment and global influence. Before his high-profile roles, he worked for years as a dedicated ambulance driver, embodying the spirit of community care. Politically, he served as Chairman of the Anglesey County Council and Mayor of Holyhead, always advocating fiercely for his constituents. Yet, his great love was football. He served as the President of the FAW from 2012 and spent six years as a UEFA delegate, traveling the world to officiate at major matches. He was instrumental in promoting the Welsh language within the FAW. His reputation was built on his warmth, humility, and fierce integrity, earning him an MBE for his services to the game. His influence is lasting, affecting everyone from the children playing on the local pitches to the national team.

A Community’s Champion: The Void He Leaves

The heartfelt tributes pouring in from political colleagues, football clubs, and the FAW all speak to the same truth: Trefor was a person who made everyone around him feel valued. Council leaders noted that conversations with him never remained political for long before drifting to the “beautiful game,” demonstrating his true passion. He was always there to guide and help younger elected members, sharing his vast experience. Trefor Lloyd Hughes leaves behind his loving wife, Janet, and a devastated family. The most fitting tribute to this extraordinary man is a commitment to upholding his dual legacy: to foster the spirit of grassroots football that he championed and to continue serving the community with the dedication and warmth he exemplified every single day.