Tributes for 'inspirational' coach

5:17pm Monday 21st July 2008

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Distraught junior footballers have paid tribute to their "inspirational" coach who died suddenly aged just 28.

David Nunoo, who had coached hundreds of Mitcham Little League players for the last five years, died three weeks ago while playing football. He suffered from a heart condition.

“He touched so many people and was so popular. Everyone knew who David was, and they would all want to play in one of his teams.”

Nick Fowler

Messages have been left for the volunteer coach and psychiatric nurse on an online memorial website and football shirts left next to the league's club house in Mitcham Common.

And fellow coaches praised David as a "big brother" to all his players, instilling fair play and hard work.

"His motto was 110 per cent, and giving your all every time was far more important than just winning or losing," said Mitcham Little League coach, Andy Acton.

"David was the sort of person who would do everything for anyone without ever asking for anything back. All the kids were absolutely devastated when they heard the news and immediately signed and hung up their shirts as a tribute.

"They really looked up to him as a father figure or bigger brother."

Alongside the dozens of messages left on the memorial web page, David is described as: "A man who lived life. Enjoyed everything! He was amazing, never complained about anything, loved his family and friends dearly.

"He had the biggest smile you have ever seen and life is Never going to be the same without him. He will be truly missed by everyone that knew him. "

David's close friend, and secretary of the league, Nick Fowler, said: "This is such a massive loss for everyone that it's impossible to put it into words.

"He touched so many people and was so popular. Everyone knew who David was, and they would all want to play in one of his teams."

David leaves behind his fiancee, Christina.

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