A CELEBRATION of the life of a man who took Evesham United as far as Gambia.

Tributes have been pouring in for long-serving youth co-ordinator Dave Giles who passed away unexpectedly over the weekend.

Affectionately known as 'Gilo', Mr Giles took on a multitude of voluntary roles at United and in 2015 began taking over kits and doing coaching sessions at St Peter's Basic School, Lamin, Gambia while visiting family in Africa. From there developed an ongoing relationship which resulted in kit, boots and footballs being donated on a regular basis during trips with Giles offering training for the children.

Tributes have flooded in for Mr Giles after the announcement including from former players and parents. Current club boss Paul Collicutt said: "Dave was Evesham through and through. When I was told you could have knocked me down with a feather and it certainly puts things in perspective.He was a larger-than-life character and his heart was with the youth football, helping kids get started out from a very young age."

After his family was overwhelmed by the massive amount of tributes, they decided to organise an event to celebrate his life. The event, honouring all that Dave did for the football club and the wider community, is being held at Evesham United's Spires & Hartwell Jubilee Stadium, in Cheltenham Road this Sunday, March 10, from 2pm. The family say everyone is welcome to attend and pay their respects.

• Evesham United has also announced the same news of the death of Jenny Cockerton, the wife of club chairman Jim. The club say Mrs Cockerton died after a short illness. In a statement the club said: "Jenny has been involved in the background supporting the club for the last 26 years and will be sadly missed by ‘The Football Family’ at EUFC.

READ MORE: Evesham United: Players and parents pay tribute to Dave Giles