St George’s Park, home of the Football Association, has officially recognised leading coach, Dick Bate, by naming a pitch in his honour.

The influential figure, who lived in Howle Hill, Ross-on-Wye, passed away in April, aged 71, but his legacy will live on, after a playing surface at the national football centre was formally dedicated to him during a private ceremony.

Dick’s wife, Maggie, and sons, Nick and Matthew, were in attendance along with many famous figures from the football world.

The unveiling was led by Dan Ashworth, the FA’s technical director, alongside a host of coaching figures who had both worked with and been inspired by a man described as leaving an ‘indelible mark on English football’.

During an illustrious career, the one-time FA elite coaching manager held a number of positions at professional clubs including Watford, Sheffield Wednesday, Notts County, Southend United, Lincoln City, Leeds United and Cardiff City.

Most recently, he worked as a consultant with Burnley and his impact on the sport extended well beyond England. This included technical director roles with the Canadian and Malaysian football associations and an appetite for teaching the beautiful game that saw him deliver coach education courses in 63 countries across six continents.

Pitch 10, an area of St George’s Park specifically used to host coaching courses, will now permanently carry the name of the former England youth coach.

Dan Ashworth said: “Dick dedicated his working life to coach education and helping thousands become better coaches therefore it’s fitting that we can name a pitch here at St George’s Park that will go on to inspire many more in his memory.”