A YOUTH football coach who has worked to make sure his players are well-behaved off the pitch as well as on it has been nominated for an award.

Wayne Pycroft introduced a code of conduct for Netherseal St Peter's Junior FC and has even made parents sign it to prevent them shouting at referees or criticising other players from the side lines.

He also helps to keep the club afloat by running a score prediction competition that is entered by up to 130 people and raises about £50 each week.

The 45-year-old was nominated for a Derby Telegraph Community Champion award by his wife, Jane.

Wayne re-launched the team two years ago with the aim of turning it within five years into a Charter Standard team – a Football Association award given to youth clubs with high operating standards.

But he reached his goal within a year by getting the club's administration in order. He persuaded parents to take on key roles, including secretary, treasurer and child protection officer.

He and his assistant, both volunteers, also completed the FA's level one coaching course ahead of schedule.

The code of conduct was the final piece of the jigsaw in ensuring the club, near Swadlincote, was a high standard operation.

Wayne, of Springwood Farm Road, Swadlincote, said: "You hear so many stories of people walking the streets with no respect for anybody and carrying knives.

"That's why this football club is about keeping them off the streets by giving them something to do.

"Our players are not all angels but we aim to control that using football. It's about respect – we respect them and we expect the same back.

"We will not tolerate racial, physical or violent abuse towards anyone, whether it be other players or the referee."

Wayne, whose 14-year-old son, Jonathan, plays for the team, said the same rules apply to parents on the sidelines watching the game.

Operational support manager at Kammac plc, in Hilton, Wayne said: "At the end of the day, win or lose, it's about having fun and the players are told to shake hands afterwards."

The club currently has sides for under-9s and under-14s but Wayne hopes the charter standard status will attract more players in other age groups.

He re-launched the team and moved it to new premises after becoming dissatisfied with how it was being run previously.

The Derby Telegraph has teamed up in the Community Champions awards with BBC Radio Derby, Derbyshire Building Society, Derby City Council and Derby County Football Club.

On Sunday, May 16, the 14 winners will be invited to a ceremony at Pride Park Stadium.

Nomination forms can be found at www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/champions or www.bbc.co.uk/derby. They are also in some copies of the Derby Telegraph or they can be collected from BBC Radio Derby, in St Helen's Street, or Derbyshire Building Society.

They should be sent to Caroline Jones, Community Champions, Derby Telegraph, Northcliffe House, Meadow Road, Derby DE1 2BH by Friday, April 2.