This evening, we are extremely proud to announce that our Club Secretary, Dave Dickel, has been recognised with a Long Service Award by the FAW, for his outstanding dedication to grassroots football and tireless commitment to Hawarden Rangers Football Club and the wider local football community.

For over 40 years, Dave has been a cornerstone of the club, playing a central role in its development and success. Since 1984, he has served as Club Secretary, managing all the secretarial duties that keep the club running smoothly. His journey began with the senior section of the club, which was formed in 1974 following the merger of Hawarden Wayfarers and Hawarden Pathfinders, led by Elwyn Owen.

But Dave’s contribution goes far beyond administration. He has consistently gone above and beyond his formal role, giving freely of his time and energy to support players, volunteers, and the community at every level. His efforts include overseeing the hugely popular Saturday Soccer/Mini Kickers sessions for children as young as three. Many of those young footballers have progressed through the ranks, from junior and youth leagues to senior and veterans’ teams – all part of a club that now boasts 275 members across age groups from U6 to U19.

His involvement at the club also extends across numerous vital areas, including:

Comet and Registration Officer
Pitch Line Marker
Kit and Equipment Officer
Safety Officer
Under-4 and Under-5 Manager
Pavilion Maintenance
and much more..!

Dave held a council position on the NWCFA whilst he also held a Committee Position at the Former Clwyd Junior League, he is now Vice Chariman and Executive Member of the Queensferry Sports Flintshire Junior League, where he serves as the League Mini-Fixture Secretary. He has been an active supporter of the League for more than 40 years and is widely known for this contribution. Dave has also been recipient of the Hawarden Community Council Volunteer of the Year Award.

Dave is also the organiser of the club’s annual end-of-season presentation nights, where the club celebrates the success of every player and gives thanks to the managers, volunteers, and sponsors. Over the years, he has supported the local Hawarden Community Carnival and Football Festival Tournament for all of the club’s players and their families across the region.

There is no doubt that Hawarden Rangers would not be the club it is today without Dave’s steady guidance and tireless commitment. His achievements and long-standing contributions to local grassroots football are truly exceptional; decades of dedicated service delivered with unwavering professionalism, passion, and care.

Thank you, Dave - and very well deserved!

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