HUNDREDS of players will tomorrow pause to pay their respects to a legend of youth football in Eastleigh following his sudden death.

Tributes have been pouring in for David Williams, 49, described as ‘true gentleman’, ‘hard working’ and someone who would do anything to help young people enjoy the game.

The 49-year-old dad of two suffered a fatal heart attack at his home in Brookwood Road, Millbrook shortly after returning home from holiday in Cyprus with his wife Debbie.

Friends and family told how David’s hard work helped thousands of children who started out in football in the Eastleigh and District Mini Soccer League (EDMSL).

Tomorrow all the teams playing at each of the venues in the Eastleigh & District Mini Soccer League and Southampton and District Tyro League will pay their respects with a minutes applause in remembrance.

David had been involved with Oakwood Youth from as far back as 2002, and it was in 2003 that he became the manager of the then newly formed Oakwood Colts under 7 side, he managed them right up until they became under 13.

He also played a huge part in setting up the Oakwood Acorns for four and five year olds in 2004.

Away from managing David served as a committee member on the EDMSL. It was there where he took responsibility for the entry level under eight Leagues at the Southampton Sport Centre and more recently looked after the under seven league which launched two years ago.

Debbie, his wife of 23-years, spoke with pride of David’s achievements.

She said: “With Dave it was all about the kids. He got joy from watching them play win or lose. “ “He loved football and did miss it when he decided to retire from running a team, but he couldn't give up completely that's why he continued to stay on the EDMSL committee.”

“This gave him a chance to go up to the Sports Centre on a Sunday to watch the kids and get his football fix.”

“Myself, Scott and Jack miss him terribly but are proud of what he did for the children in our community.”

Vice Chairman of the EDMSL, Bob Galpin praised Dave for his hard work.

He said: “Dave has helped literally hundreds of managers and thousands of children who were starting out in mini-soccer.”

“We have received many messages from managers he has helped through the years, and the underlying sentiment was the same, Dave was a true gentleman, always polite and helpful in the extreme.”

Oakwood Youth secretary Paul Crocker worked with David Williams for many years, he said: “He just wanted to get kids involved in football, it was never about ability just about getting young children to enjoy football. He had an infectious enthusiasm about him and he will be sorely missed by that knew him.”

David grew up in Aldermoor and was also a huge Liverpool fan. He leaves behind two sons Scott, 22, and Jack, 17.