Phil Lee, the chairman of Teddington Athletic FC, has been awarded a prestigious Simon Hedley Award by the Surrey Primary League for services to youth football.

Three seasons ago he helped to found the club which supports children of all abilities. Starting from just 2 squads, its popularity has grown rapidly such that for season 2009/10 the club will support 12 squads from under 8 to under 15 year groups.

Phil has forged close links with the Middlesex County FA arranging for them to deliver local courses to train mini-soccer match leaders and level 7/8 referees for 11-a-side games. With his encouragement, the club has embraced the FA Respect Programme which was launched this season.

He has also supported the league in its development of a website keeping the results and division tables up to date.

Phil was delighted with the award and said: ”The award is for the club as a whole and is recognition for all the hard work that the volunteer committee puts in to make the club run so well.

"The rapid growth of the club has been a great surprise but reflects the needs of the local community and the enthusiasm of all involved.

"We are really grateful to Teddington Cricket Club who allow us to use their grounds which are the best in the Surrey Primary League.”