A BOLTON Lads and Girls Club coach has just been a received a top award in recognition for his commitment to sport.

Simon Cooper has been a volunteer football manager for almost 12 years, supporting and developing the current Under-18s team since they started at soccer development as keen six year olds.

Cooper was presented with the Lancashire Sunday Football League Secretary of the Year Award.

He said: "We have three of our former players that are now at professional clubs on scholarships – that makes me proud of what they have achieved and pleased that maybe a little bit of that success was born from being at the club.

"We are fortunate that we have taken the current Under 18’s squad on two overseas trips – to Holland and to Portugal. "Both of these were fantastic experiences for all the lads and hopefully will stay with them throughout their lives and maybe be a spark for them getting back into the club to do the same one day.

"The Under 18’s have also been really successful, having won four League titles, seven Cup/tournaments and won the prestigious LFA County Cup twice.

"Success is fantastic and winning trophies is a great experience, but for me it’s still all about everybody enjoying it and continuing to develop – Football can bring a lot of life skills out for young people that can help them in their future lives."