CARING schoolkids plan to rename a sports pitch after a late football coach who trained Barrhead pupils for more than 20 years.

Youngsters from the town’s schools came up with the idea as a way of paying tribute to ex-Carlibar Primary coach Graham Hodgson, who died of a suspected stroke in July, aged 60.

Pupils hope fundraising activities, held as part of an annual tournament, will generate enough cash to cover the cost of a commemorative plaque in his honour.

Scores of kids will gather for a kickabout at the yearly get-together at St John’s Primary this afternoon.

Known to many as Spam, a nickname which stemmed from his own school days, Graham received a Lifetime Coaching Achievement gong at last year’s East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure (ERCL) Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering Awards.

Graham was recognised after spending well over two decades organising the school’s P4 to P7 sides.

All funds from the event at St John’s Primary will go towards a plaque at Carlibar Primary’s multi-use games area, which will be renamed ‘Spam’s Park.’

David Wood, head janitor at Carlibar Primary, and assistant football coach, said: “Spam was a well-known character in the town. He’ll be missed big time.

“He had been coming down to the school for over 20 years. It’s not just the kids here now who’ll miss him, you’re talking generations.

“Parents and their parents have put money towards the plaque.”

Teresa Aitken, football coach at St John’s Primary, added: “Spam was a wonderful man and gave up a lot of his time to primary school football.

“We’ve got a raffle in our school and whatever we raise will go straight to the fund.”

Teaching staff at St John’s Primary have invited former pupil and current Kilmarnock defender Daniel Higgins to today’s event, which runs from 1.30pm until 2.30pm.