A FOOTBALL coach has retired after training youngsters at a community club for 17 years.

Tim Camsell, from Bridgehll, near Consett, was honoured at a recent presentation evening at Blackfyne Football Club.

He started out by volunteering to coach his son Benjamin’s team when he was seven years old.

Mr Camsell has coached children from under 7’s to under 18’s over the years.

Kevin O’Rouke, club secretary, said: “Tim has put so much hard work into bringing these kids on in football over the years.

“Not only did Tim coach the kids in their weekly training and matches but he would do so much more for the club. All of Tim’s hard work and dedication to the club will be hugely missed by all of Blackfyne Football Club.”

Mr Camsell has coached children from under 7’s to under 18’s over the years.

Mr Camsell’s daughter, Amy, said: ‘It is a huge inspiration for me to see Dad having committed so many years to the club.

“Dad has given up so much of his time to support the club and the local community.

“I think people would be surprised to know just how much organisation goes into the weekly running of a club such as this and so its not just time at training and matches, but organising everything to allow this to happen and run smoothly each week.

“It is a huge part of his life that has now come to an end and while he assures us he is stepping back, his love for the game will continue for many years to come.”