Thursday 19th March 2026

Huge congratulations to Royal Wootton Bassett Town FC Vice Chairman Pete Yeardley who has been honoured with a prestigious Civic Award by Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council!

The awards honour outstanding individuals who have dedicated their time to support and enhance the town's community.

And through all he has contributed to sporting life in the town, Pete is a fitting recipient.

Pete has volunteered for and served both the Sports Association and Football Club for 30+ years. For the football club, he initially joined as Reserve team manager before a spell as Men's First Team manager, roles that he combined with volunteering as a youth football coach as part of the Soccer in the Community scheme organised by the much loved and much missed Chris Kirkland.

Since then Pete has served on the club's committee, fulfilling numerous roles and spurring the club's growth.

As Head of Youth Section he was instrumental in developing the youth setup to what it is today (with more than 20 teams), and continues to serve as Vice Chairman.

Further to this he performs a vast array of background work such as opening and cleaning changing rooms, washing kit, making teas, coffee and food for visiting teams, etc.

Pete is also fundamental to the fantastic youth football tours and exchanges to the Netherlands that take place on an annual basis. These were first organised by Chris Kirkland (famous for his 'cake breaks' on the coach trip to and from the Netherlands), with Pete assisting on numerous trips when organised through the school. Through Chris and Pete these are now integrated into the football club, with the relationships with partner clubs such as FC 's-Gravenzande a testament to Pete's dedication and personality.

Alongside the work for the football club, Pete has continued to give an extraordinary amount of time to the Sports Association, notably Chairing the Association through the very difficult final years at our old site and the transition to the new facility, always maintaining eyes on the mission of the Association to provide sustainable and affordable sporting facilities to our community. His tireless work for the Association continues, serving as 'Facilities Manager' but actually doing so much more.

Quite frankly, without Pete neither the Football Club nor the Sports Association would be able to offer our community all the sports and social participation opportunities they enjoy today.

Thank you Pete for everything you have - and continue to do - for the Football Club and Sports Association. And congratulations on a thoroughly deserved Civic Award - an honour that goes to the best of Bassett.

Last modified on Thursday 19th March 2026 at 13:38.