As he approaches the end of a 24-year military career, and with the new season now firmly under way, former army footballer WO2 Gerwyn Griffiths (RE) reflects on what the sport means to him.
A five-time winner of the Woolwich Cup with his corps team and later a coach for the army under-23s and UK Armed Forces, among others, the 40-year-old believes the game’s benefits stretch way beyond 90 minutes on the pitch.
Here, he tells Soldier why…
“There’s something special about being surrounded by like-minded people, whether playing, coaching or watching.
Throughout my life, football has been my constant – more than just a game, it has been a bond that connects teammates, coaching staff, friends and people beyond the pitch.
The banter is unmatched. It only takes one teammate walking in with a dodgy haircut, a questionable outfit, or their club suffering a bad result and the one-liners start flying.
The camaraderie and shared passion make it more than just a match; it’s a community that supports you, lifts you up, and carries you through tough times.
Life can be unbearably cruel. In recent years, I’ve lost family members, including my father, who battled COPD, and my brother-in-law, who fought cancer.
I’ve also had to endure the loss of my grandmother, close uncles and dear friends, while both my mother and sister faced their own battles with cancer, and my brother suffered serious health scares.
On top of that, I went through a divorce after more than 20 years of marriage – a difficult time not just for me, but for our two teenage children.
This year brought another crushing blow – my partner, Sophie, has been diagnosed with stage four brain cancer. It’s an incredibly challenging time and overwhelming in so many ways.
Yet, through it all, football has been my escape. It’s where I find release, where I rediscover joy and what keeps me moving forward.
A bond like no other
One of the greatest pleasures it has given me is the bond I share with my son, Ryan. Playing together for Tidworth Town, we’ve had two memorable seasons, winning nine trophies, both scoring goals, assisting each other and celebrating wins – it’s been the highlight of my football journey.
But it’s not just about the minutes on the pitch. It’s the pre-match chats, the post-game beers, discussing fixtures elsewhere and the moments we share with friends that make it so special.
Coaching Ryan and seeing him grow on the pitch has been incredibly rewarding, but watching my daughter, Maisie, play when she was younger was just as fulfilling.
Seeing her love for the game and witnessing her develop – not just as a player but as a more confident young girl – was another example of why this sport is so special to me.
It connects generations. Whether I’m watching the kids play, coaching them, or sitting together as a family in the stands supporting Wales, these are the moments I’ve cherished most.
Universal impact
During a deployment to Africa, I arranged a visit to a local orphanage with a couple of close friends to coach the children.
What started as a simple session turned into something far greater. Their excitement was contagious – every goal was celebrated like a trophy; every pass met with cheers.
The joy and gratitude they showed in return was overwhelming. It was a powerful reminder that football is a universal language of hope, connection and pure happiness.
That day, we set out to give them something – but in the end, they gave us so much more.
Giving back
Coaching at the Wiltshire Regional Talent Centre and working with various academy clubs has been a huge privilege. Witnessing young players flourish – gaining confidence, honing their skills and chasing their dreams is one of my greatest rewards.
The most fulfilling part is helping shape good people, not just good footballers. While the game has evolved in many ways, its essence remains unchanged. The pure joy on a child’s face when they have a ball at their feet, the exhilaration of pulling off a nutmeg, or the pride in a moment of magic they’ll remember for weeks – that feeling is timeless.
Growing up in a deprived area of mid-Wales, football was more than just a game to us even back then; it was an escape, a passion, and the foundation of lifelong friendships.
More than 30 years later, many of my old teammates are still among my closest friends. Our connection started with football, but it became something much deeper.
Vase victory
Coaching at my local non-league club last season has also brought great satisfaction, and nothing has summed up the game’s power to unite and inspire more than Andover New Street’s run in the FA Vase.
A small club in Hampshire that has never featured past the second round of non-league’s prestigious cup competition, we found our way to the semi-finals. A standout moment was army striker Cpl Greg Peel (REME) equalising in the 94th minute, before winning a penalty shootout to progress to the quarter finals.
Moments like this remind me why football means so much to so many. It creates unforgettable experiences with people I appreciate and respect.
Embracing a new mission
As my time in the military nears its end, I look back with immense pride at completing a full 24-year career. Meeting incredible people and serving my country has been a phenomenal honour.
Representing the British Army and UK Armed Forces teams as a player and coach against international military sides has been amazing. To see the players I’ve worked with continue to flourish also brings great joy.
The discipline, leadership and mental resilience the army instilled in me has shaped my approach to football. The organisation offers incredible support for its people, but football became my true outlet – giving me a purpose, focus and the drive to keep moving forward.
More than a game
Looking ahead, I’m eager to continue my journey through coaching, mentoring, or talent identification – giving back to the game that has given me so much.
If there’s one message I hope to leave behind, it’s this: find your escape and hold onto it. Life throws challenges at us all but having something that brings joy and purpose makes all the difference.
I’m grateful for my teammates, coaches, colleagues and true friends who have stood by me, reminding me that there’s always something to smile about. For us, football is more than a pastime; it’s a lifeline, a release and a way of coping with life’s toughest battles.
