It was a special moment for Largs man Eddie Mrozinski as he received the lifetime achievement award at the recent North Ayrshire Sports Awards recently.

Eddie started with Largs Colts in the early 1990s as a parent coach volunteer, and went through the official SFA coaching badges, and has since given over 25 years dedication to the Largs Colts.

Eddie received the lifetime achievement award at a prestigious ceremony at the Waterside Inn in Seamill, arranged by Ayrshire Weekly Press, parent company of the Largs and Millport News.

A proud Eddie said: "Although I picked up the award I said that it would not have happened if it had not been for all the volunteers that supported the club. It's been a real joy giving the kids the opportunity to take part in football.

"This was my way of doing something for the community of Largs and I've had the pleasure of meeting some really nice people in other parts of North Ayrshire associated with the beautiful game. It's been a fantastic journey!"

Largs Colts was formed in 1975 by a group of parents that had an idea of forming a football team for their children: Their names are: Gerry Condron, David McDonald, Ian Stewart, Pat McGinty, Roderick McGinty, David Sharpe, Archie Cottingham, Frank Leith and Laurie Boland.

On this strong foundation the current Largs Colts Community Club has evolved and currently has year groups from those born in 2010 and up to 2002. The younger groups (2008; 2009 and 2010) known as Largs Colts Kickers were inspired by Gerry and Mhairi Franchetti and all the boys and girls that have joined are enjoying the training sessions and looking forward to games against other clubs within North Ayrshire.

Eddie added: "I would like to say that the club would not have been able to continue if it was not for the dedicated volunteers that came forward to coach the children .

"This was achieved on a yearly basis allowing the Colts to progress from the original one team club to the current 9 year groups."

In highlighting the fantastic dedication shown by everyone involved, Eddie said: " I would like to highlight that Francis Breslin and John Fisher have been on the Largs Colts community committee for almost as long as I have. Francis is the treasurer and John, until recently, has been the club secretary.

"Largs Colts is a non-profit club and any money that comes into the club is there solely for the benefit of the children. John Fisher was the inspiration that allowed the Largs Colts to become a SFA Quality Mark club by putting together all the required information and spending more of his time on this project.

"A really big thank you from me for everyone involved."

"Finally, I would say that I had no idea that I was going to be nominated for this award.

"I never expected to get to the final, never mind to be awarded it. Over the years, the Colts have been my way of repaying the community of Largs and I did not feel the need for any recognition for doing this as I loved watching the children develop their footballing techniques and enjoying the beautiful game.

"I am honoured to have been nominated and in securing the award. I would not have been able to gain this honour without the support of everyone associated in anyway with the Largs Colts Community Club.

"This award reflects the whole ethos of the club."

Roy Martin, board member of KA Leisure, said: "As a director of KA Leisure, our goal is really to encourage people in sporting activities, and without people like Eddie, who have given a lifetime to encouraging young people to be active more often, we don't know where we would be. He has just been a wonderful inspiration and we would encourage him to continue to do so in future."