A CHILDHOOD tragedy left John Pennington determined that children would be able to play safely on his estate.

A friend was knocked down and killed by a car while playing football in the street - and it left such an impression on Mr Pennington that he resolved to make sure youngsters would be safe on Little Hulton's Peel Estate.

He set up a new football club, Peel United FC, in 1999 with 15 players of mixed age, using a 20ft x 8ft shipping container as a makeshift clubhouse and changing room.

Today, the club has 120 members, with five 11-a-side teams and three mini soccer teams playing in league and cup competitions across Greater Manchester.

Now community worker Mr Pennington has been honoured by Barclaycard - sponsor of the Premier League -for his dedication to grassroots football.

He has been aawarded the Barclaycard Free Kicks Champion Award and £1,000 to buy kit and equipment for the club.

Mr Pennington - a qualified referee and a coach trained to UEFA B badge standard - has devoted much of his time expanding his knowledge of the game, which he passes on to the young players at weekly training sessions.

But it is his talent for finding valuable space for football that has had the greatest impact of all.

Shortly after the club was formed, Mr Pennington secured a pitch and training ground by approaching a primary school that was not making use of its sports field.

In 2001, he successfully campaigned for a regeneration grant from Salford Council to save two flats on one corner of the field from demolition and convert them into a fully equipped clubhouse which has now become a focus for community activity.

Speaking of the death of his friend, Mr Pennington said: "I could see the same thing happening over and over again.

"Children on the estate were putting their lives at risk by crossing busy roads to play football. "What they needed was a football club of their own, closer to home.

"With a lot of help from my colleague, Mark Rothwell, and support from the council, we eventually managed to make this dream a reality.

"It is great that the effort everyone put into the project is being recognised by the award. The football teams and clubhouse have had a massive impact on the community. Football keeps children off the streets and away from crime."