Frome legend who coached Tyrone Mings gets BEM for inspiring youth through football

A man who made a lifelong commitment to youth and football has been given a BEM in the King Charles III’s Birthday Honours List. Graham Charles Clarke, an 82-year-old retired police officer from Frome has dedicated his life to making a positive impact on young people through his passion for football. His unwavering commitment and outstanding achievements in the field of youth football have earned him recognition not only locally but also throughout South West England.

One of his prodigies who Clarke helped start a football career is England international, and current Aston Villa centre back, Tyrone Mings.

On receiving a BEM, Graham, who has lived in Frome for 44 years, and has been married for 59 years to Joan, said: “I feel very honoured to have been nominated. It means so much that someone has taken the time and trouble to put me forward for such a prestigious award. I am surprised, excited and humbled by it – all in equal measure.”

Having witnessed the darker side of life during his tenure as a police officer, Clarke has seen firsthand how young people often fall victim to or become involved in criminal activities. Motivated by the belief that given the right opportunities, these youngsters can be steered away from the path of crime, he embarked on a mission to engage them through the beautiful game of football.

The father of three’s involvement in football extended beyond coaching and managing teams. As a school governor and football coach at a local secondary school, he recognised the significance of education and embraced the chance to make a difference in the lives of young individuals through both sport and academics. His efforts and remarkable achievements in youth development have made him a revered figure in his region.

For an impressive 26 years, Clarke served as a team manager for the Somerset County Schools Football Association, initially leading the U19 boys’ team and later taking charge of the U18 boys’ team. His dedication to the role went above and beyond expectations as he generously offered his time to meticulously plan, organise, and oversee numerous training sessions and fixtures for the teams. Clarke’s passion extended beyond the local scene, as he led the team on journeys across the country to participate in friendly and competitive competitions against other county associations.

While Clarke aimed to hone the footballing abilities of his players, he also emphasised the importance of their overall personal development and character-building as they transitioned into adulthood. His relentless work paid off when two of his teams reached the English schools national final, ultimately securing victory in 2002.

Moreover, his contribution to schools’ football extended beyond his immediate team, as he assumed the role of President of the South-West Schools Football Association for many years. During this time, he generously shared his wisdom and experience during meetings, offered guidance in the selection process, and supported the management of various South-West U19/18 representative football teams.

Capitalising on his extensive football knowledge, Clarke also spearheaded the Somerset FA U19 boys’ teams (separate from the schools’ teams) for several years, leading them in regional and national competitions. To this day, he actively participates in Somerset Schools FA Committee meetings as a Life Vice-President, lending his expertise and support.

Clarke’s impact on young players stretches far beyond the realm of youth football. Through his mentoring and coaching, over 400 aspiring footballers have progressed to local senior level football, and some have even gone on to enjoy successful careers as full-time professionals.

In addition to his work with schools and youth teams, Clarke undertook an ambitious project spanning two decades. He dedicated tremendous effort to provide the Frome Collegians, a team he currently serves as president, with a dedicated football pitch. Transforming a disused showground into a state-of-the-art facility required substantial fundraising and tendering, which he tirelessly pursued. His extraordinary commitment to the project earned him accolades locally, including recognition as the Citizen of the Year, bestowed by the Mayor of Frome Town, and accolades from the local press.

He said: “I love what I do. I love all sports, especially football. Football has always been a passion of mine, as a player, as a coach and as a mentor to young and old players or watching and supporting all the teams when I can.

“While I’m incredibly proud of all my achievements, I’m most proud of the impact I’ve had on the youth in the community. I like to think that my efforts have played a role in helping young boys and girls go on to do exceptional, inspirational things.

“From Spencer Carkeet, who played for Frome Collegians and now owns his own fledgling landscaping business in Frome to Tyrone Mings, who played for Somerset County Schools and is now a professional footballer. I’ve been lucky to coach so many lads, who have gone on in life to do outstanding things in their own right.”

He continued: “As a young lad growing up in a small council estate in Yeovil, Somerset, I never imagined I would dedicate 35 years to the Police Service, starting as a Police Cadet in 1957 and rising to the rank of Detective Chief Superintendent, Avon & Somerset Constabulary and earning the Queen’s Police Medal in 1991 for Outstanding Police Work and Service to the Community.

“I also never imagined that I would have such a rewarding time coaching and managing so many successful football teams. For Frome Collegians and Somerset Country Schools and Somerset FA Youth, I was lucky enough to win 17 local, regional and national trophies and one international trophy at Southampton’s Annual ‘Sotonia’ Tournament.

“As President of Frome Collegians, I’m proud to have been a part of growing the club from three teams in the early 80s to a club that now boasts 20 teams, providing countless local children with a place to learn and develop their football skills and a place for their parents to interact as a community.”

On challenges and obstacles he has overcome, he said: “During my early years at Frome Collegians, the club did not have a dedicated sports ground/pitch and therefore had to use the amenities of the local schools. As a result, the club relied on so much hard work from parents and local volunteers to raise money and make a strong case to the local council to secure its own dedicated football pitch.

“After several years of fundraising and many meetings with the local council, we were able to secure a pitch for the club at the top of the Old Showfield, next to Selwood Middle School in Frome. This facility is not only used by all of Frome Collegians but also the local schools and wider community.”

He gave a word for those looking to follow in his footsteps saying: “Be respectful: Treat others the way you expect to be treated yourself. Work hard and be determined: You get out of life what you’re prepared to put in. Live in the moment: Make the most of every day and enjoy what you do.”

He added: “None of this would have been possible without the love and support of my family every single step of the way. I am truly grateful.”