Tributes have been paid to a much-loved Whitehaven AFC coach who has died.
Darren Buchanan coached both girls and boys at the club, developing players from as young as five before recently mentoring new coaches. He also ran the club’s pan-disability team with his son Jack.
In a heartfelt statement, Luke Johnston, director and chairman at the club, said: “This still doesn’t feel real, Darren was an amazing gentleman with a heart of absolute gold. From day one when I started at the club, Darren made me feel so so welcome.
“He was just one of those people who just did what he could and got on with it. If he could do something, however small to help anyone he would do it. The children he coached looked up to him massively and worshipped the ground he walked on.
“The faces of the kids he coached told the story of just how grateful they were to have such an amazing person in their lives. Words can’t even describe the gap that’s been left in everyone who knew him.
“My love goes out to Juliet and his children at this difficult time. Rest easy Daz or ‘Bukes’ as I often called him. You will be missed so so much.”
A statement from Whitehaven AFC said: “It is with great regret and sadness that we have learned of the untimely passing of our much-loved coach and friend Darren Buchanan. Darren has been a much-loved part of our Whitehaven AFC family for many years.
“In addition to coaching the U11 girls and past boys teams he also coached and developed the youngest age groups when they first start at the club aged five and most recently mentored and trained new coaches who were new to football.
“In addition to this Darren led alongside other coaches the club’s pan-disability team with his son Jack. A relatively new team to Whitehaven AFC, Darren was the driving force behind its success. It was not just on the pitch that Darren’s love for the club was evident. When he wasn’t training he could often be found riding the tractor or repairing the wheels on the goals.
“But that was just Darren, he had a through and through love for the club. Described as many by someone who just did things, without a question. This was the way he was. He will be sadly missed by everyone. Our love goes out to his wife Juliet, his three children who he loved so so much and his wider family. Sleep tight Darren.”
