Tributes have been paid to a stalwart of Monmouth Town Football Club who helped raise thousands of pounds for charity.

Kevin Johnson, the club's junior coaching co-ordinator, died last week after a long battle with cancer.

Mr Johnson (pictured right with club chairman Lee Robson and inset with young Kingfishers) oversaw the development of many youngsters at both Monmouth Town and Cardiff City as a youth coach and organised the annual charity game between England Dads and Wales Dads.

Last April, the game raised £3,500 for St David's Hospice Foundation and it was announced the club would carry the charity's name on its away shirts – much of the credit for the move going to Mr Johnson.

The Kingfishers' club chairman Lee Robson said last week: "Kevin Johnson, our junior coaching co-ordinator, passed away this morning after a long illness – one he bore with tremendous dignity, strength and no little humour.

"He was a real friend to me in my role as chairman and also personally. A critic – yes but always on the basis of support – a friend indeed; selflessly giving when he could have taken, active when he should have rested and wide open when he could have hidden.

"His contribution to our club's success over the years has been huge and ironically will get bigger as time proves his legacy in the young players and men and women he has helped build – from his colleagues who knew and worked with him as a coach to the adults still to come.

"I am proud to have known Kevin as a friend and colleague and our thoughts go out to his family.

"The town, the club, the sport we love and, dare I say it, humanity is a lot poorer for his passing."

Kris Broome, director of fundraising at St David's Foundation, said: "I was desperately sorry to hear the news about Kevin.

"I got to know him over the last few years and was amazed at his courage and strength, even when he wasn't well he would ring me with his next fundraising idea – he was a real inspiration.

"Through his commitment to St David's he has raised thousands of pounds to help care for patients and their families in local area.

"St David's Hospice extends our sincere condolences to his family and friends."

Paul Swingwood, captain of Monmouth Cricket Club, said: "Kevin was a nice bloke who was always willing to help.

"He did some great work with youth football in Monmouth and at Cardiff, organising events and tournaments for different age groups.

"I know he wanted to get more involved in the cricket club but sadly time has not allowed that. It would have been great to have him on board."

Many tributes have also been paid to Mr Johnson on his Facebook page.