TEDDINGTON ATHLETIC FC chairman Phil Lee's dedication to youth football was rewarded with a special presentation.

Lee received the prestigious Simon Hedley Award from the Surrey Primary League, in recognition of his tireless work for the fledgling club, which aims to give an opportunity to children of all abilities.

Founded with just two sides three years ago, its popularity has grown so rapidly it will field 12 sides, aged between eight and 15, in 2009-10.

A delighted Lee was keen to deflect attention from himself to the rest of the club's committed volunteers.

He 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.

Lee's links with the Middlesex County FA have seen volunteers trained to be mini-soccer match leaders, while others have qualified to be referees for 11-a-side games.

The FA's Respect programme has also been embraced and Lee has even found time to help the SYL develop and maintain its own website.