It is with great sadness that we announce the sad passing of East Riding FA Life Vice President Walter Owst.

After devoting over 60 year of service to grassroots football in our county Wally has become synonymous with the beautiful game in our region. Initially starting out at Hull based side Waterloo Amateurs as club secretary back in 1953 Wally was quickly co opted on to the committee of the Hull Sunday Mens League committee with Wally taking on the positions of results and assistant league secretary. 

In 1962 following the sad death of Terry Nicholson Wally became Hull Sunday Mens league secretary, a position he continued to hold until only recently. Despite severe opposition it is Wally who is credited with leading the the fight affiliate the league to the County FA back in 1965. This is when Wally became a member of the East Riding FA Council.

In recognition of the immense contribution to grassroots football Wally was named the Life Vice President of the East Riding FA with Wally also receiving the Diamond Award at the inaugural Unsung Heroes Awards which were held in 2009. In 2019 Wally received the FA Order of Merit for 50 years service to grassroots football.

Wally will be sadly missed by everyone connect to grassroots football in our county, many of you will be able to recount tales of help, support and advice that Wally was only to happy to offer. Wally was a giant of the game and his contribution to the grassroots football will stand the test of time. 

Everyone at the East Riding would like to pass on our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Wally and request that you join us in remembering a remarkable person.