The family of much-loved local footballer Kevin Pride attended the Stroud & District Football League AGM to present an award in his memory.
Kevin’s parents, Val and Rob Pride, were joined by his partner Jess, son Robbie, sister, and Stroud and District Football League chairman Gary Chapman as the league paid tribute to the former Horsley and Shortwood United player.
The inaugural Kevin Pride Memorial Goal of the Season Award was presented to Daniel Lander for his stunning thunderbolt strike. The goal was reminiscent of the spectacular efforts Kevin himself produced during his playing days with Horsley and Shortwood United.
Following the presentation, Rob Pride delivered a heartfelt speech, thanking the Stroud & District Football League for honouring his son’s memory and expressing his gratitude to the clubs across the league for their continued support of Kevin’s legacy.
League chairman Gary Chapman said: “The award served as a fitting tribute to a player who remains fondly remembered throughout the football community, ensuring that Kevin’s contribution to the game continues to be celebrated by those who knew and admired him. When remembering Kevin it was apparent that everyone would remember their astonishment of his prolific goalscoring, not only in quantity but for his audacious ability to score from angles and positions that were nigh on impossible. His favoured trick would be to be straight from the kick off.
“He was also a great character a friendly player, and never gave any trouble to anyone on the field of play, a credit to himself.”
