Powell, who is now 93, has worked as a coach at the University of Bath for 37 years as part of a remarkable career that saw him play for Wales, Blackpool, Queens Park Rangers and Aston Villa.

Powell was joined by family, friends, as well as University staff and students past and present at a celebration event at the Sports Training Village recently to mark his retirement.

He will continue his involvement with University of Bath sport one day a week on a voluntary basis.

Messages were sent from around the world, including Australia, the United States and Switzerland, from alumni who were coached by Powell during their time at the University wishing him a happy retirement.

To mark his retirement and leave a lasting legacy in his name the University has created the Ivor Powell Sports Scholarship Fund, which is administered by University of Bath Development & Alumni Relations.

Money donated to the fund will provide scholarships for future undergraduates who are gifted both academically and in their chosen sport.

The fund already has a sum of £30,000 ($43,000).

Professor Glynis Breakwell, the vice-chancellor of the University of Bath, said: "Ivor's dedication and commitment to coaching and sport over nearly four decades here at Bath has been an inspiration to thousands of young people.

"I am delighted today sees the launch of a new scholarship in Ivor's name which will provide a fitting and lasting legacy of the enormous impact he has made at the University."

Stephen Baddeley, Director of Sport at the University of Bath, said: "The Ivor Powell Sports Scholarship Fund will be a lasting legacy to Ivor's ideals and values.

"The fund will provide support to future undergraduates at the University and will help give them every opportunity to achieve their full potential."



Powell began working as a coach at the University of Bath in 1973.

He started his working life in the mines of South Wales before entering a football career that saw him play for QPR, Aston Villa and Blackpool, as well as earning 14 caps for Wales.

At Blackpool he struck up a friendship with Sir Stanley Matthews, who went on to be best man at Powell's wedding.

After retiring from playing football Powell took up a coaching career that took him to Leeds United, Carlisle United and PAOK of Greece, among others.

In 2004 he was inducted into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame and in 2006 his role as the world’s oldest working football coach was recognised as a Guinness World Record.

He was made an MBE in the 2008 New Year's Honours List.