Rory O’Sullivan, President of Blackheath Football Club, is saddened to hear of the passing of Phil J Ubee, 7th December 1952 – 5th July 2025.
Having played for St Dunstan’s College, he went on to play for England U19s at fly half and Loughborough Colleges. Phil made his debut pulling on the famous red and black for the first 1st XV in 1973 and became a regular player in the side for over a decade. The 1981-82 season he notched up 27 appearances and you will see in the team photo that he was rubbing shoulders with some of the Club’s past great and the good.
Phil became part of the 1st XV coaching team from 1993 to 1999, in this time adding his experience, expertise and talent supporting where he supported a series of head coached including working alongside Mike Mills. During that period Phil also was one of the coaches for the mid-week Club Development team. Phil then turned his talent to take charge of the Youth Development Coaching Panel as well as being our Academy Co-ordinator.
With an eye on his son Mike, Phil became Head Coach of the U14’s and continued this journey all the way to the U18’s.
In recognition of his contribution and exceptional service to the Club he was made a Vice President in 2010.
Phil was Head of Rugby at Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School for 20 years, having also been a sports and history teacher, and previously coached at Whitgift School for four years. His legacy lives on as we have some of the fruits of his labours from that time now playing in the 1st XV and also coaching our Men’s Section and Colts.
The diagnosis of MND brought a new and unwelcome challenge to Phil and his family. He embraced the condition with courage and fortitude. Any donation made to the MND Association to help efforts to find a cure for those affected in the future, no matter what size, would be something I am sure that Phil would have welcomed.
Phil not only left his mark with Blackheath but also his rugby family at Sidcup, Old Elthamians and Old Dunstonian RFC. Everywhere he went he inspired the players he coached to be the best and in return was loved and appreciated by many.
We extend our deepest sympathies to Phil’s family and friends. May he rest in peace.
A service will be held on Thursday July 31st at 3.30pm at Kemnal Park Crematorium BR7 6RR and afterwards at Rectory Field.
Rory M O’Sullivan
President, Blackheath Football Club
LATEST NEWS
