Leeds’ grassroots football community has joined in mourning the death of Lincoln Richards, a devoted club volunteer and father of former England defender Micah Richards. Tributes from friends, colleagues and clubs underline his decades of practical support for amateur football in the region and his continuing ties with the Caribbean island of Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Longstanding commitment to local clubs
Richards, who moved from Basseterre to England in the 1960s, was a familiar face at Chapeltown's football club and across the amateur game in Yorkshire. He ran Chapeltown Fforde Grene FC alongside close friend Charlie Thomas and served as chairman of Yorkshire Amateurs until 2017. Colleagues say he helped save the club from closure in 2012 and was a driving force behind community events such as the Chapeltown West Indian Carnival.
Those who knew him described a hands-on volunteer who put time and energy into keeping grassroots football running. He was particularly noted for practical projects and for dreaming up improvements such as installing floodlights at Bracken Edge, a move supporters hoped would extend playing hours and increase community use of the ground.
Connections beyond Yorkshire
Richards maintained strong links with his place of birth. He and his family sent clothing and football kits back to Basseterre, a practice friends say is continuing after his death. His role in sending material support to the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis marked him out as someone who thought about the game beyond local boundaries.
- Moved from Basseterre to England in the 1960s
- Ran Chapeltown Fforde Grene FC with Charlie Thomas
- Yorkshire Amateurs chairman until 2017; helped avert club closure in 2012
"his father was his greatest fan who barely missed a game."
The family connection to the professional game has been especially visible through Micah Richards, who was informed of his father's death shortly before appearing on the BBC as a pundit during England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina. Despite the bereavement, reports indicate Micah remained on duty for the broadcast and is expected to be part of the BBC's team for the World Cup final.
| Role | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Chapeltown Fforde Grene FC | Club organiser and volunteer |
| Yorkshire Amateurs | Chairman until 2017; involved in saving the club in 2012 |
| Community links | Sent clothes and kits to Basseterre; supported West Indian Carnival |
The outpouring of memories on social media and from fellow volunteers reflects how local football often depends on long-term dedication from a small number of people. Richards was remembered as warm and good-humoured, the sort of presence "who filled a room," and whose support for players and teams left a visible imprint on amateur football across Leeds and beyond.
His death on Wednesday morning has been met with condolences across the grassroots network, with many emphasising the practical legacy he leaves: a strengthened club, continued support for sporting causes in Basseterre, and a generation of volunteers inspired by his example.
