TRIBUTES have been pouring in after the founder of a youth football club died aged 82.

Don Felkin founded Cromwell Youth football club in 1957 and players from various generations have been remembering him as a “local hero”.

Mr Felkin worked with Cromwell Youth FC and the local Scouting group for decades.

Terry Jenkins, who played for Cromwell Youth FC under Mr Felkin’s tutelage, recalled how the side had been formed.

“As a lot of the boys were not going into Scouts after Cubs, it was mentioned to Don that we should form a new side,” he said.

Mr Felkin put his heart and soul into coaching Cromwell, as well as his weekly earnings.

Kevin Bale, a close friend of Mr Felkin and also a former Cromwell player, said: “I know every week that Don would spend 50 per cent of his weekly wages on football kit at Macey’s sport shop.

“He would also get Cubs and Scouts uniform. It was such a help to the parents who could not afford to buy uniform for their children.”

Mr Jenkins went on to explain that Mr Felkin’s impact on the youth of Newport could not be overestimated.

“He must have saved many thousands of young men from going off the rails,” he said. “He reminded them that if you ever needed help that he was always on hand.”

In 2007 Mr Felkin was nominated for the BBC Wales Unsung Hero award, and narrowly missed out to Pembrokeshire gymnastics coach Andy Grey.

Lliswerry ward member on Newport City Council Cllr Allan Morris, who, as then-Mayor of Newport, nominated Mr Felkin for the award, also paid tribute to him.

“Don Felkin was the most incredible and inspirational man you will ever meet,” he said. “He didn’t ask any reward, other than to see the boys enjoying themselves.

“He truly was a local hero.”

Cromwell Youth FC posted a tribute to their late founder on social media and spoke of their regret at having learned the news.

It said: “Don is the reason this club is what it is today. One of the all-time grassroots greats. The club has come a long way since the small side we had in 1957.

“Rest in peace Don.”

Mr Felkin died at the Royal Gwent Hospital on Saturday, February 16.

His funeral will be held at 11am on Monday, March 11, at St John’s Church in Maindee, followed by a wake at the Nash Constitutional Club.