A FORMER North-East football coach who tragically lost two of his children in a car crash last year has found a reason to smile after his team won a competition in Brazil at the weekend.

Former Middlesbrough goalkeeping coach Léo Percovich and his family were involved in a car accident in Brazil in December when their car plunged off a 20-metre high road bridge.

The crash tragically claimed the life of his youngest daughter, Antonella, whilst his 10-year-old daughter, Valentina, died in hospital on Christmas Eve – a week after the accident.

Percovich suffered minor injuries while his wife Juliana, 40, sustained a fractured pelvis.

But remarkably, just four months on from the tragedy, Mr Percovich is celebrating after Fluminense under 20s, the team which he coaches in Brazil, won the Rio Cup, known locally as the Taca Rio, after a 5-3 win in the final against Vasco da Gama.

A clearly delighted Mr Percovich took to social media to share photographs and videos of the success, which included an emotional embrace with his son, Pietro, who spent almost two weeks in intensive care after the crash.

Brazilian media reported that the game was marred by fan invasions and fights on the pitch, with the trophy having to be taken away for safe keeping, and the players forced to return to the dressing room.

But that didn’t stop Mr Percovich and his family celebrating the incredible achievement.

Mr Percovich spent three-and-a-half years at Boro under head coach Aitor Karanka.

He left the club in the summer and moved to the Rio de Janeiro area of Brazil to take up his new coaching post in August.

He was a popular figure at the club, and tributes poured in from supporters when news of the crash broke last year, with thousands lighting up their phones in tribute during Boro's Boxing Day fixture against Bolton.

His children all attended Croft Church of England Primary School, in Croft, near Darlington.

Speaking at the time, head teacher Simon Robson said: "All three children were exceptionally kind, popular and enthusiastic members of our school."