One of Welsh football’s most charismatic personalities Meirion Appleton has been given a Lifetime Achievement Award for his services to football, especially the Football Association of Wales Trust.

Meirion was given a standing ovation at the presentation, which was made by the Trust’s Chief Executive Neil Ward at a ceremony at the Celtic Manor Resort, held during a FAW National Coaches Conference.

It was a deserving honour for someone who has devoted his life to the development of football in Wales.

After a playing career with his home village of Bont and Aberystwyth Town Meirion turned to coaching and management. He has been Aberystwyth Town’s most successful Post War manager in winning 13 trophies in his period at the helm in the 1980s and early 90s.

Meirion took over as manager of Bangor City in 1998 and he led them to Welsh Cup success a year later.

Meirion’s involvement with the Football Association of Wales dates back to the 1970s when Mike Smith was Director of Coaching for Wales. He has been closely involved in the development of young players across Wales ever since, particularly with the FAW Trust, founded in 1996.

He has not only helped to arrange and co-ordinate training courses for players and managers, but has also taken part in many as well.

The Trust has been instrumental in identifying, developing and preparing talented young players to support the future success of the Welsh national teams at all levels, and Meirion continues to play a key role whenever called upon.

Meirion’s tireless work continues across the Trust.

This summer he’ll play a key role in the McDonald’s Fun Football Programme, the upcoming UEFA A and B licence awards and the Cymru Cup competition.

FAW Trust Technical Director, Osian Roberts, commented: “Meirion Appleton is a father figure of Welsh football. He has legendry status for many reasons.

“Appy flew the flag for Welsh football well before any of us did. He has contributed to Welsh football in many different ways – from being a successful manager, and a coach, to a kit manager and welfare officer.

“He’s a key supporter of what I’ve tried to do in Wales, but more importantly he is a friend. What he has done for Wales and Welsh football, he can be phenomenally proud of.”