A FOOTBALL coach from Bromsgrove has had his efforts working at grassroots level recognised with an award.

Jon Newton was named community coach of the year at Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire awards.

Newton, who holds FA Level One and Two coaching badges, has dedicated his life to passing on his love of the game to the town's youngsters for the last four years.

After being made redundant in 2010 as a silk screen printer, he took a gamble and set up the Grassroots Football Development School.

Starting with just eight children, he now has over 30 under his tutelage.

Since then, it has gone from strength-to-strength, earning bronze gold accreditation from Worcestershire FA.

The school, which is based in the Dolphin Centre during the winter, and St John's Middle School in the summer.

It caters for beginners to the sport and more advanced players twice a week.

He said: “My role as a coach is to promote football in a positive manner and to acknowledge children's individual abilities and needs in order to enhance their understanding and respect for the game of football and others involved."

He also attended the regional awards at Villa Park but missed out on a second award.

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