THE long-serving leader of a football academy which helped launch the careers of Alan Shearer, Peter Beardsley, Michael Carrick and Steve Bruce has died.

David Beardall died in the early hours of Saturday, aged 78, in the RVI Newcastle after a fall at the City of Newcastle Golf Club five weeks ago, followed by a stroke.

He will be best remembered for his tireless work as a former leader of Wallsend Boys Club, putting the club on the map and helping many children, including Alan Thompson, Lee Clark and Steve Watson, on their way to fame and fortune.

He was also heavily involved in junior golf administration, helping among many others the early careers of Northumberland players Kenneth Ferrie, three times a European Tour winner, and David Curry, the 1986 British Amateur champion.

Mr Beardall was a member of the City of Newcastle and Northumberland golf clubs.

He was also a tireless volunteer public relations officer for both the sports he loved.

Journalist Tim Taylor said he found "David to be not only highly media-friendly in his determination to increase awareness of the young sportsmen he championed, but also one of the most genuine, considerate and unselfish men I have ever met.

"He influenced countless lives for the better and will be greatly missed."