SALUTE local schools' Mr Soccer!

For Mr Alan Smith, a stalwart of schools football for the past 40 years, has been rewarded for his long service.

Alan (63) has been presented with an FA long service accolade in tribute to his unstinting devotion to schools soccer.

He became involved in football in 1960 when he joined the Prestwich, Radcliffe and Whitefield schools organisation.

Alan, of Moorcroft, Edenfield, combined his soccer commitments with his job as a teacher. He served 30 years with Radcliffe County Secondary, now Radcliffe High, and on taking early retirement was head of Year Eleven.

He was team manager of Prestwich, Radcliffe and Whitefield schools between 1962 and 1974 and also served as secretary from 1960 until '74. At that time, the organisation was affiliated to Lancashire before reverting to Bury Metro Schools Football Association in 1974.

Since then, he has acted as secretary and was team manager for a number of years on and off until 1989. He took over the same position again in 1995/96, the season the Association won its national trophy.

Alan also served as Greater Manchester County manager from 1975 until 1990. In 1989, the squad lifted the national trophy.

"But I did have a young Ryan Giggs in the side then," he said.

Alan continued to manage the side through 1997/98 and became treasurer of the county in 1992, a position he still holds. This week, however, he stepped down after his third term as chairman.

The father of two sons was involved in supply teaching after leaving his earlier full-time post, but finished two years ago.

Despite the fact he has notched up an incredible 40 years in schools soccer, he has no plans to call it a day.

"Basically, it's something I love doing," he says. "And as long as I'm fit and healthy, I will continue. If Bobby Robson can do it, then so can I! "

Alan joined other soccer stalwarts to receive his silver salver long service award at a ceremony in Nottingham.