Much-loved stalwart of Sidmouth Town Junior Football Club hangs up boots after more than 16 years

Shane Burke is leaving Sidmouth Town Junior Football after more than 16 years (Image: Archant)

A much-loved stalwart of Sidmouth Town Junior Football Club is hanging up his boots after more than 16 years on the pitch.

Manager Shane Burke was given a fitting send-off by club members who expressed their thanks for the ‘essential role’ he has played - on and off the field - in encouraging players through the sport.

The Culverwell Cup match marked the final involvement for the dedicated volunteer, who has managed the under-16s team for the last eight years, and seen many young ‘Vikings’ rise up through the club.

Shane, of Manstone Avenue, said: “It has been great over the years. I started off just doing it so my boy could play and the main reason I kept doing it was so everyone had a chance to keep playing.”

Shane added that he will be sad to go, but knows he is leaving the club in good hands.

Committee member Tracy Latham said: “Shane has been involved for so many years it’s quite sad really, because a lot of the children have been with him for many years.

“He has got a huge passion for the game. His children have gone up through the club and then gone on to help with the coaching themselves.”

She added that her own son, Jake, will miss having Shane at the helm and commended his continued involvement with the club even after his own children had out-grown the youth teams.

Committee member Jon Miller paid tribute to Shane in his match report, saying: “The Culverwell Cup match saw the last involvement of a long running stalwart of Sidmouth Town Junior football.

“Shane managed the Under-16s for the past eight years, taking the side on a season after finishing eight years’ coaching with another age group. He also held the role of treasurer for six years and played a key, essential role in the ‘behind the scenes’ management of junior football.

“The club wishes to express its gratitude for Shane’s support and commitment through these 16 years and wish him the best for whatever he chooses to do now on a Saturday morning.”