ONE of the leading lights in youth football, Jon Holman, has died peacefully after a long illness, aged 66.

Jon was a lifelong sports fan, following the fortunes of Saints as well as being a regular at Hampshire CCC and was instrumental in forming Swan Hill Youth FC in the 80s.

Howard May, chairman of the Testway Youth League paid tribute: "Jon will be sadly missed by his many friends in the league. He was involved soon after its inception through Swan Hill Youth FC where he was influential with the success of that club and its development of players. 'He later became a leading light of the league and a pioneer of Mini Soccer in Andover and the surrounding area. His passion for youth football was second to none and he will be remembered for his dedication."

Tribute to Jon Holman with pictures in Friday's Andover Advertiser