A RUBERY football coach who died from coronavirus has been hailed as 'an amazing man' who 'built a community' as tributes poured in after his death.

John Bousfield died last Thursday morning (March 26) at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, where he had previously worked as an NHS nurse.

The 65-year-old, known as Bousa, co-founded Rubery Juniors Football Club in 1987 and helped hundreds of youngsters take their first steps in the game over the past three decades.

He leaves behind wife Lesley, daughter Lisa, son Keith and four grandchildren.

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Paul Pillinger, of Rubery Juniors, paid a touching tribute on Facebook to his clubmate, who acted as Juniors' president, vice chairman, secretary, manager and coach at varying times over the last 30 years.

Hailing an 'amazing man', he wrote: "Bousa was instrumental in the running of our club.

"At those early meetings in the Cock Inn, Bousa would always volunteer 'I’ll do that and when he didn’t (co-founder) Kevin (Blaber) would volunteer Bousa! Bless him, Bousa never moaned!

"He and Kevin organised many football trips throughout the country and two in particular stand out - Isle of Wight and Blackpool where the Blue and Yellow travelled in their hundreds.

"Bousa helped to build, not only our fantastic junior football club, he helped to build a community.

"He will be sadly missed by the thousands that crossed his path, and I will remember him for his sense of fun and especially for his commitment to our club."

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Birmingham City fan John battled coronavirus for a week but had underlying health conditions and had also suffered a stroke in recent years.

Rubery Juniors plan to hold a special memorial event in his honour when the pandemic lockdown is lifted.

A number of current and former members joined in the tributes to John, reminiscing about their individual memories of him.

Ellis Meah wrote: "John was a really great guy, very helpful, supportive to everyone who he crossed paths with.

"Loved his passion for Rubery Juniors and all the kids who came to play and train whatever their abilities."

Penny Sadler added: "We will all miss him in so many ways and I am sure there would have been hundreds to pay respects at his funeral but our present situation will prevent this mammoth send-off."