EVESHAM United is mourning the death of the man responsible for taking the club's footprint 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 four days per week for four weeks at a time.

Among the multitude of messages from former players and parents was a tribute from one of United's most successful managers Paul West who said: "Absolutely gutted to hear the sad news that Gilo has passed away.

"A true community man and so passionate about giving children the simple opportunity to play the game we all love.

"I had the utmost respect and admiration for his pure energy and enthusiasm towards junior football. Not only will he be a massive loss to the club and community but also a massive loss to the football world.

"My love and condolences go to all his immediate family and close friends. RIP Dave, a true gentleman."

Current boss Paul Collicutt joined in expressing his sorrow.

“Dave was Evesham through and through,” said Collicutt.

“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.

“I got to know him and his big strength was the communication with the youngsters and running the football camps during the school holidays.

“There are a lot of kids in their teens now who would know Dave Giles as the man who helped them along their way.

“He built a bridge between the club and those who needed kits and help to get started over in Africa as well. What a wonderful legacy to have left."

Youth football was a big part of Dave's life even before his time at Evesham, helping to the coach ex-Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy as an emerging talent at Caer Castell in Cardiff during the late 1980s.