CREDITON Youth Football Club presented an award to Adrian Cartlidge to commemorate 12 years as a youth manager with the club.

He began his involvement with the club in 1994 when his eldest son, Scott, started playing.

Having been a keen player himself, he was soon coaching the boys and then began running a team in 1997 with Graham Bilcock. He took this team right through to their final year as youth players at Under 16's.

During this time, at one point, he found himself running two teams of different age groups.

In 2001, after nearly two years' fundraising, they embarked on a tour to the United States of America with 34 boys and nine adults.

He was also involved in starting the first Crediton Youth Girls team. His wife, Lyn, managed the team when their daughter Emma played.

Graham commented: " He was very much liked by the players for his relaxed style of managing."

Two of his Crediton Youth players have gone on to play for the England Youth team.

In 2003, Age took over the Under 9's team, which included his youngest son, Ryan. During his six seasons with the team, they were cup finalists five times, playing twice at Exeter City's St James Park. They won the Mid Devon League and were Lions Club South West Area winners.

In 2008, the team enjoyed a tour to Ireland. He also took part in three tours to Holland with other Crediton Youth teams and found time to work as a football scout for Plymouth Argyle.

As well as coaching and managing the teams Age has been involved in all areas of the club - from marking the pitches before games to Vice Chairman. He is a keen supporter of the Club's annual six a side tournament - even camping beside the pitches overnight for the past eight years.

Former Chairman, David Collins, who presented the award said: "The Club is indebted to Age who has given a tremendous commitment to Youth Football in Crediton over the years."

Unfortunately, ill health forced Adrian to stand down as manager in June and Lyn said: " He was extremely disappointed not to take the team into their final season with the Youth Football Club but wishes all the boys success in the future."

Adrian added "I must thank my wife, Lyn, for the constant support she has