A father today told of his joy after the football team he manages dedicated their title triumph to the memory of his late son.

Team's tribute - to former player Daniel Balkwell Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

Alan Balkwell, 44, and his wife Tina were left devastated when their 16-year-old son Daniel was killed in a motorcycle accident while on holiday in Turkey last August.

As he tried to move on from the tragedy, Alan, of Brownsea Drive, Wickford, took up the reins of Trinity United under-17s in the Thundermite League, the team for which Daniel used to play.

The team, which play their home games at the James Hornby School in Laindon, clinched the league title at the weekend and dedicated the honour to Daniel's memory.

Alan, who works as a florist in Barking, said he was completely overwhelmed by the gesture.

He said: "It's absolutely fantastic, we've had a fantastic season and I'm so proud of the boys. It was very moving when they dedicated the win to Daniel, it felt like winning the World Cup."

Alan has two other sons, Robbie, 13, and 16-year-old Jamie who was a member of the championship winning side.

Published Thursday May 27, 2004

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