Ams' Dave Gregory is honoured at the Palace
Wellington Amateurs chairman Dave Gregory has been honoured at Buckingham Palace for his contribution to grass-roots football.
The 70-year-old travelled to London with his wife Lynne to attend a royal garden party which was held by the Queen to celebrate people who make outstanding contributions to their community.
Gregory has been involved with Amateurs for a staggering 53 years, having first joined as a tricky right winger back in 1962.
But it's off the field where he has really helped drive the club forward, with the Telford-based side moving through four divisions and to a new home in Oakengates in his 20 years as chairman.
He said: "It was absolutely wonderful to be recognised with a trip to the Palace.
"I have been with the club for almost 55 years and somebody took note and mentioned my achievements in the right quarters and it's ended up that I have been honoured in this way.
"I was a young right winger when I first joined the club but, when I hung up my boots, I went onto the committee.
"For the last 20 years I have been chairman and the club has seen phenomenal growth, going up four divisions to reach the West Midlands League Premier Division.
"In that time we have moved to a new ground in Oakengates and when we did that we promised residents we would provide youth football for the local community.
"Now we have 10 junior teams, an under-18s side and next season we will have our first ladies team."
Gregory thanked his wife Lynne for helping fulfil his grass-roots commitments.
He said: "I went Buckingham Palace with my wife and I must tell you she has been very supportive through all the years I have been in local football.
"It was equally an honour for her, as well as the club, because a lot of people have put in a lot of hard work.
"I'm just proud that Wellington Amateurs is in its 65th year and, for 55 years, I have been able to play a part in it."
