Meet Ben Williams



 

Ben was very well known around Liverpool amateur football, having played for and managed many teams. He was a football man and other than his wife, two daughters and his family, there was nothing more important to Ben than the beautiful game. 

Ben was a classy footballer with endless ability. He started as a centre forward where he scored goals for fun. Then he ended his career as a centre half, in the style of Alan Hansen in his heyday. He won numerous trophies, including the last ever I-Zingari League in 2006 with Old Xaverians.

Ben was a born leader and was captain of the Old Xaverians first team for many years. He led that team to the most successful period in the clubs 100+ year history. He then went on to become a qualified coach and exceptional manager. Using his natural people skills, tactical knowledge and drive to win, Ben created great teams at Old Xaverians and A.F.C. Liverpool. He left a mark on every person at these clubs and the entire Liverpool footballing community

Ben unfortunately passed away on 20th November 2018 from a rare heart condition. It was a massive shock to all who knew him and the impact on his friends and especially his family, is hard to describe.

After his passing, Ben’s friends and family set-up the Follow Your Heart Foundation to raise funds for research into the disease and to help others around the city spot heart issues early so they can be addressed. The money raised by this charity has already had an impact on Liverpool amateur football and this will continue for as long as we can raise money through events like this.

There is no better way to support this amazing cause than to hold a football tournament and Ben would have loved it... reminiscing about the good old days, coming up against old foes and doing all he could to make sure his team won. But most of all, he would have loved the banter and the beers afterwards.

It's hard to describe how much Ben is missed, especially by his family and close friends. His passing has left a massive hole in everybody's life. However, the fact that we can keep his legacy alive and continue his impact on the community he loved, means the world to his friends and family.

He is missed but will never be forgotten.

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