HATHERLEIGH?Youth AFC?held their first ever awards and presentation evening at Hatherleigh Community Centre on Saturday, July 4 with more than 190 people in attendance.

The club have grown in strength and numbers over the last couple of seasons with nearly 100 children on the books.

All coaches and helpers were thanked for their efforts, along with all sponsors. There were more than 40 individual trophies awarded to children in six age groups ranging from under 12s down to under 5s, with all children receiving a medal each.

Bouquets of flowers were presented to Hayley and Dawn who man the kitchen and to Katie who is treasurer and takes the register every Sunday.

A special glass trophy, engraved with the club badge and worded 'your gift of time is priceless, thanks for making training fun, from all of us at Hatherleigh Youth AFC' was presented to Rob Reed.

A substantial buffet and karaoke followed with children and coaches all taking part.

Going forward, the club are actively looking for a larger field to cater for the increased numbers and teams.

Next season the club have U13s, U12s and U8s teams entered in the North Devon Youth League — the U13s are still searching for a regular keeper.

The club hopes to enter an U11/U10s and an U9s team in the future once more coaches have passed their Level 1 courses.

The emphasis on training is based on fun with all children being encouraged to make their own decisions and are praised for effort not talent.

The new season commences with friendlies for all age groups against North?Tawton on Sunday, August 16 on Hatherleigh's main pitch.

For more information, email [email protected]">[email protected]