A FOOTBALL club has celebrated the life of its founder after he dedicated 50 years to the beautiful game.

Justin Albert Kilby passed away peacefully at Broomfield Hospital, aged 85.

In 1970, Mr Kilby, known as Albert established Maldon Saints YFC after he found children in the area, including his son, had nowhere to play the game he loved so much.

The club’s senior coach and trustee, Roger Causaker paid tribute to Mr Kilby, who he was proud to call a friend and colleague for more than 30 years.

He said: “When I came to the club it was already starting to grow from the single team he had started.

“His outlook was to always offer children of all abilities the opportunity to play and enjoy the game.

“His philosophy was to have a family atmosphere so all would enjoy coming to his club.

“The club under his guidance grew to have boys and girls teams from four to 18 years old and senior men’s and women’s teams.”

Many of those connected with the club were at All Saints’ Church last Wednesday, where they helped Mr Kilby’s widow, Margaret, celebrate his life.

During his time at Maldon Saints, he took a hands-on approach to all areas of the Blackwater and Dengie League side, fulfilling the role of player, coach, referee and finally club president.

The club started off with a single team playing in Promenade Park, and now has 250 youngsters and adults playing every week.

Mr Kilby received many honours throughout his life. The last and perhaps most important came in December 2018, when he received the Long Service to Football Award from the FA.

Mr Causaker said: “We at the club were all very proud that he had been recognised for his lifetime of hard work.

“He was a true gentleman in all senses of the word and a great president.

“The legacy he left will carry on in the way he had wanted – a coaching development and family-run club.

“He was a true inspiration to all who knew him, always smiling and there was no one he would not talk to.”