Tributes have been paid to a much-loved Coventry man who has been remembered for his love of the Sky Blues. Harry Treen died last week following a battle with prostate cancer and has been hailed as an ‘inspiration.’
Harry always enjoyed football, right from an early age, captaining the Brandon and Wolston side in the 1950s when they won the Rugby Chamber of Commerce Cup in 1959. He has been described as ‘the heart and soul’ of the Cancer Support Walking Football (WF) group, which is run by Sky Blues in the Community (SBitC).
Friend Tom said: “I always used to say hello to Harry on my street, but when my neighbour told me he used to be a good footballer playing for Wolston in his youth, I decided to approach him about coming to play for SBitC Cancer Support WF team. He jumped at the chance. Every Friday morning, he was always ready and raring to go… even to his last days.”
He continued: “I enjoyed having Harry, not only as a fellow player but also as a friend and neighbour. He will be truly missed by me and the team, but never forgotten.”
Coach Dennis Zuill opened up about the time he spent with Harry. He said: “Every Friday, his presence reminded us all to live life every day to the fullest. We often take for granted the fact we wake up every day.
“But not Harry, he just loved his football. It was his happy place where he found his most therapeutic pleasure. From the first day I met him, I was in awe of his football IQ and intelligence on the pitch.”