THE dad of a Greenock football coach who died suddenly at the age of just 25 has teamed up with a local boys' club to create a lasting legacy to his son.

Thomas Turner has donated a trophy to the St Andrew's BC 2006s side in memory of his boy Josh, who passed away in 2017 from an undetected heart condition.

Each year, it will be given to the player who shows the most commitment to the team.

The first recipient is Kian Lepick and the presentation was made by Josh's dad.

Thomas said: "It's a trophy donated by the family to remember my boy's name because he coached locally.

"The team he coached disbanded, so the next best thing was St Andrew's and when I approached the club about the idea they said, 'yes, of course'.

"We're pleased Kian got the trophy.

"Josh would've liked that."

Youngster Kian was chosen as the first winner of the Josh Turner Award for impressing on and off the pitch.

He is also a year younger than the rest of the 2006s side and remained a team player even when he was out injured.

Coach Steven Morris said: "Kian received the Josh Turner Award for merit and commitment to the club.

"Throughout the season, Kian, who is a year younger than the rest of the team, has shown great respect for his team-mates and coaches.

"His attendance at training was excellent, he's shown improvement on and off the field, supported the team when he was out injured and generally always has a great attitude.

"We are very grateful to Thomas and his family for this thoughtful donation. "We will continue to hand out this award annually to a player in the 2006s section."

Josh, a former Ardgowan Primary pupil, passed away two years ago in Colorado, USA, where he had moved in 2014 with his maternal family.

Having cut his teeth locally with Broomhill Boys' Club, he followed his dream of becoming a football coach and gained accreditations in the States before working with Major League Soccer side Colorado Rapids for a spell.

Last year, his dad Thomas, who lives in Greenock, helped present a defibrillator to Ardgowan Primary, where Josh was a pupil from 1996-2003, in his son's memory.

The money for the life-saving device and accompanying plaque was thanks to Josh's grandparents Thomas snr and Sheila, from Roxburgh Way, who asked for donations instead of presents at their golden wedding anniversary party and raised over £1,000.