DROITWICH businessman John Powell has been named Worcestershire Youth Football coach of the year. TOP COACH: John Powell.

Worcestershire FA gave Powell, aged 47, the award for his achievements with Kidderminster Lions under-11s.

Under the former Kidderminster Harriers players' guidance the Lions won their division in the Stourport Boys League.

He said: "I like to win, everyone does. But we do it in the right way; we are disciplined and well mannered and play football the right away.

"It's nice to get something which recognises you for your efforts, but the team deserve a great deal of credit too."

After nine years playing for Kidderminster and working at the club's academy, Powell obtained his UEFA B coaching licence. He also spent two seasons nurturing the younger players at Birmingham City.

However, he decided to move on from Birmingham and spend more time at Kidderminster Lions.

He said: "I was tired of all the travelling I had to do with Birmingham, but wanted to keep involved in football."