MORE than 60 children aged between five and 12-years-old gathered at The David Pullen Recreation Field in Copplestone to enjoy Copplestone United's end of season presentation day.

The day started with a two-hour fun session run by Precision Soccer. All the children joined in with various games and skills activities organised by Ben Spiers and his team.

This was followed by a family picnic in the sunshine.

Then the serious matter of the trophies began. Club President Guy Gibson, who was a founding force behind the club in 2005, and Club Chairman Rupert Dodge, who has been involved in the club since 2007, began the trophy presentation by talking about how far the club has come in a short time. More than 80 children now play for Copplestone United, the older teams include children who attend Queen Elizabeth's, Chulmleigh and Okehampton secondary schools.

Many of the local primary schools are represented at the club so the children have the opportunity to make a broad group of friends. Teams from U12 to U10 now compete in the Exeter League, with the Copplestone United U12 team playing in Division One for the third year running. 

The younger players compete in the Mid Devon League and are developing into an extremely competitive side.  

Guy spoke with real pride about the way the club members and supporters conduct themselves at matches, whether or not they have won.  

Rupert thanked the various companies who have supported Copplestone United during the 2014-2015 season: AT Electrics, ASAP Skip Hire, Ashgrove Kitchens, The Waie Inn, Nisa Stores Copplestone and Northfield Landscaping.  

Each child received a Copplestone United member trophy and additional trophies were given out to the teams who have played in league matches. Each team awarded a Manager's Award, the Players' Player award and special achievement awards.  

There was also a David Pullen Clubman award, which this year was awarded to Will Jones in recognition of his hard work for the club in a variety of roles from pitch maintenance to refereeing.  

Players of all abilities are welcome at the club so if you are aged 12 or under and would like to find out what Copplestone United is like please telephone the club secretary, Kay Gibson on 07522 342272.