FOOTBALL coach Naheed Khan has been named the best in the West Midlands, beating off more than 500 others who were nominated for the prestigious award.

And it means Khan, who works for Action Sports in Redditch, can also look forward to a coaching session alongside Sir Geoff Hurst and England's Eric Harrison.

The FA Learning Grassroots Coach of the Year award is run in partnership with McDonald's.

Sir Geoff, the company's Director of Football, said: "This is a real achievement for Naheed and something he should be extremely proud of.

"Through McDonald's role as The FA's official community partner, Eric Harrison and I have toured the country visiting local training sessions to see at first hand the professionalism and commitment of great coaches like Naheed."

After a talented playing career as a youngster, Khan joined Redditch Borough Council where he worked in sports development for 17 years. The contacts and reputation Naheed built up there allowed him to branch out on his own and he now coaches with Action Sports.

"Football is a very powerful force," he explained. "I think football has a very special role in helping to stamp out racism from our everyday lives. Football can, and should, be used to educate future generations in a positive manner."

And Khan added that his ultimate ambition was to coach in the top flight, acting as a role model for the black and Asian communities.