PICTURE the scene. You are in charge of a school football tour to Jersey, but are desperate to find out the result between Reading FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

There is no television, no radio and it’s a long way before the days of mobile phones.

Only one thing to do. Call the Samaritans.

It may sound far fetched, but it is one of the many highlights of one man’s love affair with football that has lasted more than half a century, and is still going strong.

David Downs, the man on the end of the phone that day, has given more to schools football in the Reading area and beyond than anybody else.

And the retired schoolteacher has now been honoured for his remarkable dedication and tireless work with a 50 years’ service award from the English Schools Football Association.

Downs explained: “I was lucky enough to have been nominated by Bruce Burnell as we have worked together in schools football for many, many years.

“Schools football gave me more than I ever put into it. I have enjoyed every minute from the moment I got my first job at Battle Primary School in 1965.

“In fact, it was there I met my wife, Marion, on my my very first day, so I have a lot to be thankful for.

“When I think about it, tens of thousands of schoolchildren must have passed through my hands, it has been the most wonderful and rewarding experience.”

Downs was one of seven teachers who received awards from ESFA chairman, Mike Spinks, at the Madejski Stadium recently.

He was the only one to have clocked up more than 50 years’ service, with the rest being rewarded for either 25 or 40 years’ dedication to the sport.

In that time, he was manager of the Reading Primary Schools’ Representative Team for 37 years and he is immensely proud of his record.

“I was in charge for 1,203 matches and in all that time we never had a player sent off or even cautioned,” he stated.

“I think that says a lot about the spirit in which we played the game, and in which the game should be played.

“It’s been a lot of hard work but well worth it for all those children who played the sport and grew to love it.

“It keeps children away from the TV or computer. It’s about them being active and making friendships.

“I still see people now who used to play in my teams and they always say hello and stop for a chat. Those friendships can last a lifetime.”

Of the thousands of schoolchildren Downs has coached, some stick out like Lawrie Sanchez, Neil Webb and Martin Allen.

Sanchez and Webb both played for Reading FC while Allen, son of former Royals legend, Dennis, enjoyed a successful playing career with QPR, West Ham and Oxford.

Sanchez made his Royals debut as a teenager while still at school and went on to score the winning goal for Wimbledon in the 1988 FA Cup final against Liverpool before managing a number of teams including Fulham and Northern Ireland.

After leaving Little Heath School in 1979, Webb, whose father, Douggie also played for Royals, enjoyed an illustrious career with Manchester United, Nottingham Forest, Portsmouth and England.

“I was never a great player myself but I was lucky enough to work with some very talented players like Lawrie, Neil and Martin,” recalled Downs.

“Aftab Habib, who went on to play cricket for England, was also in one of my early Reading schools teams.

“One of my other highlights was seeing Mortimer St Mary’s win the English Primary Schools National Championships at Wembley in 1983 with a team that included Dave Tuttle, who went on play professionally for Spurs, Sheffield United and Crystal Palace.

“But the real enjoyment is the pleasure of teaching children.

“I have been taking teams to Jersey for more than 30 years and it’s tremendous to see how much they all get out of it.”

Downs retired from full-time teaching in 1997 but continued as a supply alongside a new role with Reading FC.

“Reading were starting up their academy and so I was asked to go there as their education and welfare officer,” said Downs.

“I am now the club’s safeguarding office and I have maintained my interest in schools football to this day.

“The two dovetail quite nicely as I am still involved with young players, finding them digs and helping them settle into their environment.”

Downs also remains secretary of the Reading Primary Schools Football Association and has no intention of giving it up.

He will turn 75 in November and, after dedicating more than two thirds of his life to schools football in Reading, he acknowledges there is one person in particular who deserves a special mention.

“I just thank Marion for everything,” he added. “She has put up with so much over the years.

“I remember when we first got together and I asked her where she would like to go on a date.

“She said she wanted some peace and quiet so we could be alone, so I had a think about it and took her to Reading against Tranmere Rovers at Elm Park.

“Without that kind of understanding I would never have won such an award.”