MONMOUTH Town Juniors filled the Sportsground on Friday (29th April) for their annual awards and fun kick-about. Chairman David Uttley said how proud he was of the progress the teams were making. “We have 15 junior teams, with over 220 players - the biggest junior club in the county - five players from U15/U16 are representing Gwent county,” he said.

He paid tribute to the coaches that have provided over 200 hours of voluntary coaching for the youngsters, from under six to under 16 players.

The Most Improved Players awards were handed out for the squads and were given to: Harry Latty - under six; Bartek Skrzypnik - under seven; Luke Potons - under eight; Adam Hawkins - under nine; Evan Pundy - under 10; Sam Ponton - under 11; Alex Wakerley - under 12; Alex Doody - under 13; Sam Cooke - under 14; Louis McPherson - under 15 and Sam Vaughan - under 16.

The overall award went to Alex Doody. In 2010, Alex was diagnosed with bowel cancer while at Llandogo School and underwent chemotherapy during the summer holidays. His parents were proud to see he him achieving an award only six years after undergoing life-changing treatment.

Alex’s dad, Alistair said: “He is an ultra brave lad, he just gets on with people.

It’s a great moment to see him achieve: alive and playing sport.”

In 2010 the Beacon reported that Alex’s dad Alistair, 39, decided to shave his head when Alex lost his own hair, and realised he could use it as an opportunity to raise cash for Welsh children’s cancer charity LATCH. Over £3,000 was raised following a sponsored head shave in Llandogo Hall.