A new trophy has been launched to honour the memory of Horsley United FC hot-shot Kevin Pride, who passed away suddenly in June.
Kevin, a highly respected grassroots footballer who spent more than 30 years with his beloved Horsley in between a short spell at Hellenic League side Shortwood United, is being remembered with the Kevin Pride Goal of the Season Memorial Award, introduced by the Stroud & District Football League.
League chairman Gary Chapman told Stroud Times: “Kevin was an extremely well thought of guy, and personally, not only through football but also motocross, I had known Kevin for 40 years.
The Pride of Horsley – Kevin Pride gallery
“It’s a sad loss, and it goes without saying that Kevin’s family, friends, playing colleagues and the league are devastated by this news.”
Kevin was renowned for having one of the hottest shots in football and an ability to score outrageous strikes from distance.
Gary added: “When remembering Kevin it was clear that everyone thought of his prolific goalscoring – not just the sheer number of goals, but his audacious ability to score from impossible angles. His favoured trick was often to shoot straight from the kick-off.
“He was also a great character, a friendly player who never gave anyone trouble on the pitch – a real credit to himself.”
To mark his contribution to local football, Kevin was also a youth coach with Rodborough, the Stroud League will now honour Kevin’s memory each season. A judging panel will select the best goal scored across the campaign, with the winner receiving the Kevin Pride Goal of the Season Memorial Award.
